This Is Not an Atlas

1. Why a book on this subject?

All of us have been dealing with maps and collective forms of mapping for some time now, in very different forms and against very different personal, scientific and political backgrounds. This gave rise to the idea of bringing together contributions from the lively and diverse field of critical cartography and critical mapping in the form of a larger publication, and to make them accessible to a wider public.

2. What new perspectives does your book open up?

We think that the book has its strength in its thematic and geographical breadth and in the variety of methods and approaches that come together here. We hope and believe that the book encourages people to become active themselves.

3. What significance does the topic have in the current research debates?

Critical cartography and participatory methods have been increasingly discussed in recent years. We think that we can follow this up with our book and perhaps also provide new impulses here through the strong reference to practice.

4. With whom would you like to discuss your book?

We would like to discuss the book best with all those whose maps and projects are gathered here and with all those who feel compelled by this book to start mapping projects themselves. This is not an Atlas is supposed to be the beginning of further discussions and not the end.

5. Your book in one sentence:

This is not an Atlas, but a collection of critical maps, an invitation to critical cartography and critical mapping.