Smart Cartography: representing complex geographical reality of 21st century

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article delves into the essence of “Smart Cartography”, a focal point in the international cartographic and geospatial information arena. Rather than the “smart”, the paper concentrates on unpacking the meaning of “cartography” and “map”, by drawing on the ICA 2003 definitions, distilling it to “representation and use of geographical reality”. It posits that the geographical reality, recognized as the “object of mapping” in literature, is the core element needing further investigation. The study further explores historical and contemporary terminology for geographical reality (object of mappings) since the mid-nineteenth century. asserting the reflection of each era's geographical knowledge in its object of mapping. In the constantly evolving, complex world, the paper advocates for a new paradigm capable of encapsulating these characteristics in the representation of geographical reality. Hence, the notion of Smart Cartography must embrace an understanding of temporal changes and spatial dynamism, integrating causally aware systems to comprehend not just the changes but their causes, in turn enhancing the decision-making process. The author concludes that Smart Cartography of the 2030s should adeptly represent the dynamism and complexities of our geographical reality, highlighting its adaptability in line with technological advancements and evolving spatial representation needs.