Journal | JoLMA
Journal issue | 5 | 1 | 2024
Research Article | Mapping a Blank Spot and Making Empty Spaces
Mapping a Blank Spot and Making Empty Spaces
Geographic and Cartographic Ontology in Italian Topographic Mapping of the Southern Libyan Desert in the 1930s
Abstract
This study explores the ontological assumptions of mapping as active processes, rather than passive representations and discusses the need for pragmatic guidelines in map-making, as maps only acquire meaning through their users’ minds and bodies. The paper presents historical examples of Italian colonial topographic mapping of the southern Libyan Desert during the 1930s. It emphasizes the interconnected histories of geographical exploration, social and cultural contexts, and technical practices. The paper argues that the ‘empty spaces’ on maps reflect intentional choices made by cartographers, not insufficient data. The performative nature and diverse sociocultural conditions of maps need to be considered to understand their meaning and use.
Submitted: Jan. 27, 2024 | Published July 26, 2024 | Language: en
Keywords Topographic mapping • Italian colonial cartography • Libyan Desert • Geographic ontology • Mapping processes • Blank spot
Copyright © 2024 Zsolt Török. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/Jolma/2723-9640/2024/01/007
