Genealogy That Counts

Using Content Analysis to Explore the Evolution of Persuasive Cartography

Bibliographic Data

ID14701369
AuthorsIan Muehlenhaus (0000-0001-7016-1238, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, corresponding author)
Year2011
Volume46
Issue1
Pages28-40
Publication date2011-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueCartographica The International Journal for Geographic Information and Geovisualization (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0317-7173 • E-ISSN: 1911-9925
PublisherUniversity of Toronto Press Inc. (UTPress) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.3138/carto.46.1.28
OpenAlexW2148629102
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited25

Maps are often used for persuasive purposes. Yet little is known about whether or not different persuasive map producers use similar cartographic techniques or about how such techniques have evolved through time. This article explores the genealogy of persuasive map design by analyzing 256 such maps published since 1800. Quantitative content analysis is used to break down each map among 190 contextual, data, design, and layout variables. Cross-tabulations and descriptive statistics are used to test whether and how the characteristics of persuasive maps have changed over time and differ by type of producer. The results illustrate that although some persuasive techniques have changed over time and by producer, most techniques are recurring and used by all types of producers. The results imply that different techniques of persuasive cartography are largely timeless, regardless of producer or medium. It is also argued that content analysis may prove a useful method for other research in map genealogy

Cartography · Content (measure theory · Content analysis · Descriptive statistics · Genealogy · Geography · Social science · Sociology · Statistics · Timeless · Geographic Information Systems Studies · History · Mathematics · Psychology