Deviant Cartographies: A Contribution to Post-critical Cartography

Abstract

Based on the recently developed approach of 'post-critical cartography', this article addresses how developments in cartography can be interpreted functionally, dysfunctionally, afunctionally, and metafunctionally. This interpretation takes up the sociological topic of deviance. Normatively, this article bases on Ralf Dahrendorf’s concept of life chances. It includes established terminology which can be applied to the development of cartography. For example, the development and dissemination of digital cartography, in different development stages, has shown to be functional. Cartographic representations restricting life chances due to disinformation and manipulation can be described as dysfunctional. Cartographic representations that do not receive positive responses from the public or the professional community can be characterized as afunctional. Metafunctional representations are capable of highlighting the contingency of the world and its cartographic interpretation, particularly by including the stylistic device of irony. Critical cartography has made some functional contributions to cartography, but it also comprises dysfunctional effects originating in its moral rigorism. This article intends to contribute to the preservation of its functional and to overcome its dysfunctional impacts.