In his conclusion to “Texts and Contexts in the Interpretation of Early Maps,” Harley says, “In addition to regarding the map as a topographical source, we are becoming aware of a cartographic power that is embedded in its discourse.” A lot of somewhat jargon-laden words and phrases here — topographical, cartographic, embedded in its discourse — but I’m interested in particular in the idea of “cartographic power.” Throughout the chapter Harley shows us many of the different factors that contribute to the making of a map. So many different pieces that we need to be aware of: who made a map — often more than one person? who sponsored / paid for / needed the map? etc., etc.
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