Posthuman Cartography? Rethinking Artificial Intelligence, Cartographic Practices, and Reflexivity

Bibliographic Data

ID3775883
AuthorsYue Lin (0000-0001-8568-7734, University of Chicago, corresponding author), Bo Zhao (0000-0002-7834-6672, University of Washington)
Year2025
Volume115
Issue3
Pages499-512
Publication date2025-03-16
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAnnals of the American Association of Geographers (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2469-4452 • E-ISSN: 2469-4460
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/24694452.2024.2435920
OpenAlexW4405992728
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited100

Artificial intelligence (AI) is catalyzing growing disruptions in contemporary cartography and beyond. Unlike previous mapping technologies, the current wave of AI enables producing maps without explicit programmed rules, which extends and, in some cases, surpasses human intelligence. This transformative capacity has the potential to reshape not only the practices of map-making but also the power structures of the actors involved. In this light, we propose posthuman cartography as a potential perspective to examine the emerging trend in cartography characterized by a codependency between human and machine intelligences. This theoretical perspective challenges traditional human-centric approaches, proposing instead to view mapping as a network of relations that include both human and nonhuman actors. It also highlights the importance of recognizing AI as significant actors in mapping praxes, as well as the need to acknowledge the shifting power structures influenced by AI. We further advocate for a reflexive approach that tackles the ethical challenges posed by AI and other technological disruptions in contemporary cartography

Cartography · Geography · Posthuman · Posthumanism · Reflexivity · Sociology · Anthropology · Computer Science · Geographic Information Systems Studies · Geographies of human-animal interactions · Artificial Intelligence

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