North isn’t necessarily up: map projections, the politics of cartography and their relevance to archaeology

Abstract

Maps and mapping are indispensable tools within archaeological practice. However, they are also tools that have historically been employed relatively uncritically by archaeologists. Maps are used functionally, with little attention paid to the subtler impact of certain decisions in relation to form and appearance. This article serves as a companion to ‘A global perspective on the past: the Institute of Archaeology around the world’ piece earlier in this volume, briefly explaining the theoretical principles underpinning decisions taken in that piece. In particular, the relevance of developments in the field of critical cartography and their application to large-scale archaeological mapping are considered. Map projections, their history, relevant uses and the impact of the choice of projection are discussed, as well as the significance of map orientation. In particular, it is demonstrated that the normalised ‘north up’ visualisation of our planet is a very specific and surprisingly recent development with an important history and subconscious implications. The way in which space is visualised has a subtle impact on the way we understand and, therefore, behave in the world around us. As such, it is contended that a self-conscious and reflexive attitude to the way we visualise space is a crucial consideration in our understanding of both the present and the archaeological past.