9320895 WOODWARD Throughout human history, maps have been a means for the collection, storage, analysis, and dissemination of geographic information. Maps and the underlying cartographic concepts and techniques used in their production have been important factors in the development of human thought about the world in both academic and practical contexts. Maps reflect myriad cultural, economic, political, social, scientific, and intellectual aspects of human societies, and the different ways in which societies have constructed and used maps provides insights into the ways that different societies have viewed and interpreted their environments. Furthermore, maps have been a medium used by many different scientific disciplines, so a more complete understanding of how maps have evolved sheds light on the development of interdisciplinary enterprises within science. This award renews support for research and production of references volumes produced by the History of Cartography project. Three volumes already have been published. The first volume focused on cartography in prehistoric, ancient, and medieval Europe and the Mediterranean, the second and third dealt with Asian cartography. This award will facilitate completion of volumes on cartography in other non-Western societies and cartography in the European Renaissance, and it will contribute to work on a volume examining cartography in the European Enlightenment. Each volume consists of essays that have been commissioned from international experts who analyze and explain relevant material from new theoretical perspectives. Each chapter is supplemented with full reference tables and lists of maps, atlases (including their locations), cartographers, and basic information. Unlike other encyclopedic works that are descriptive, idiosyncratic, and largely Eurocentric in character, this project involves considerable primary research into the ways that cartography reflects its historical, cultural, socia l, and technological contexts. Authors of articles in the volumes also make major philosophical and theoretical statements about the importance of maps in different cultures and in the development of scientific thought. In addition to renewed support from NSF, continued work on this project will be supported from a broad range of other sources, including other federal agencies and private sources.
