In the Australian Curriculum students "conduct fieldwork, map and interpret data and spatial distributions, and use spatial technologies" (ACARA, n.d.).
If a map's power comes from how well it represents "reality", then why are maps of non-existent places so common in fiction? How is it that a map works well even when the reality it shows is made up? (Krygier, n.d.).
Many novels have been written around maps that exist only in the imagination, for example, "Treasure Island" (link) written by Robert Louis Stevenson" (Muehrcke & Muehrcke, 1974).
Treasure Island Review
Map of Treasure Island
(Treasure Island, n.d.)
Maps in literature are a logical way of satisfying the visual sense and conceptualisation by the reader (Muehrcke & Muehrcke, 1974). Understanding fictional maps requires the reader to go beyond what is seen, using their imagination beyond the physical print. Another example of a popular fictional map is used in Game of Thrones.
Game of Thrones is the first book based of a five part series, "A Song of Ice and Fire", written by George R. R. Martin. It is a complex fantasy story with seven kingdoms and the iron throne, which many families are fighting for. There are many characters and story lines, and much travelling from place to place with the story taking place all over the fictional world.
Game of Thrones Maps
Icons and symbols represent places, kingdoms and geographical features such as mountains and the sea. The map represents relationships between kingdoms, cultures, friends, foes and political ideals.
If a map's power comes from how well it represents "reality", then why are maps of non-existent places so common in fiction? How is it that a map works well even when the reality it shows is made up? (Krygier, n.d.).
Many novels have been written around maps that exist only in the imagination, for example, "Treasure Island" (link) written by Robert Louis Stevenson" (Muehrcke & Muehrcke, 1974).
Treasure Island Review
Map of Treasure Island
Maps in literature are a logical way of satisfying the visual sense and conceptualisation by the reader (Muehrcke & Muehrcke, 1974). Understanding fictional maps requires the reader to go beyond what is seen, using their imagination beyond the physical print. Another example of a popular fictional map is used in Game of Thrones.
Game of Thrones is the first book based of a five part series, "A Song of Ice and Fire", written by George R. R. Martin. It is a complex fantasy story with seven kingdoms and the iron throne, which many families are fighting for. There are many characters and story lines, and much travelling from place to place with the story taking place all over the fictional world.
Game of Thrones Maps
Icons and symbols represent places, kingdoms and geographical features such as mountains and the sea. The map represents relationships between kingdoms, cultures, friends, foes and political ideals.
"To a person who uses his imagination, a map is greater than itself, for it evokes images and emotions not apparent on the piece of paper that is called a map. But a person who does not know how to read a map or who lacks the imagination necessary to leap from the printed map to the reality it depicts will be less aware of its value (Muehrcke & Muehrcke, (1974).
However Muehrcke and Muehrcke (1974) make note that in certain situations where emotions can affect decisions it may be necessary not to use imagination when reading maps, for example, when the military need to bomb a specific area they need to remain objective. How a map is used and interpreted depends on the reason it is required and how the reader wants to interpret it.
Maps allow for descriptive language and a visual picture of what is on the piece of paper, for example, high mountains or wide valleys. This mental visualisation helps with understanding what the map wants to tell the reader.
Another feature of maps is that they create the desire for discovery, travel and adventure. This connects with teaching students, connecting the theory of using real life experiences to prepare students for their world outside of school. Authentic Learning for the 21st Century
"An Encounter in the Mist" by A. N. L. Munby tells the story of Giles Hampton and his experience in Wales during 1879. As he is lost in foggy, severe weather on an expedition, he has an encounter with a man and his dog. The man hands him a map to assist with guiding him home, and he uses this regularly as a reference. The map, however almost costs Giles his life as he near misses falling off a sheer drop. After he was rescued he was informed of a man dying in the same area four years prior to this in the same place with the same map found on him.
In 1852 there was a landslide in the area making this section of the path Giles took dangerous. The map was engraved as the year 1707 and the man whom Giles saw on his expedition had passed away in 1720. This raises many questions about the spirit Giles saw and the connection to his escape from death.
This is proof that maps change over time depending on events, whether natural or man made. Even though Giles understood the map and followed the directions, he still experienced an unexpected event. This shows that maps do not tell us everything.
In 1852 there was a landslide in the area making this section of the path Giles took dangerous. The map was engraved as the year 1707 and the man whom Giles saw on his expedition had passed away in 1720. This raises many questions about the spirit Giles saw and the connection to his escape from death.
This is proof that maps change over time depending on events, whether natural or man made. Even though Giles understood the map and followed the directions, he still experienced an unexpected event. This shows that maps do not tell us everything.
An Encounter in the Mist
"An understanding of a map's liabilities leads to an appreciation of its assets, for those things that limit a map in one context are the very aspects that expand its scope in the next. Underlying many of the references to maps in literature is the recognition that the greatest weaknesses of a map are also its greatest strengths" (Muehrcke and Muehrcke, 1974).
Another example of interpretation is the story of Funes told in Labyrinths. The story of Funes talks of his ability to memorise languages, writings and his surroundings, creating his own system of numbering and remembering relevant to him, but difficult for others to understand. Interpretation and understanding is unique to each person.
My personal perspective on maps is that there is a place for the construct of real maps, and the creation of fictional maps. Both require interpretation, and how they are interpreted is dependent on what the reader understands, and what the writer has provided. Fictional maps should be used in education as they develop skills and imagination that interconnect with geography and history.
"His disciples came and asked him, "Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?" He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them" (Matthew 13: 10-12).
"An understanding of a map's liabilities leads to an appreciation of its assets, for those things that limit a map in one context are the very aspects that expand its scope in the next. Underlying many of the references to maps in literature is the recognition that the greatest weaknesses of a map are also its greatest strengths" (Muehrcke and Muehrcke, 1974).
Another example of interpretation is the story of Funes told in Labyrinths. The story of Funes talks of his ability to memorise languages, writings and his surroundings, creating his own system of numbering and remembering relevant to him, but difficult for others to understand. Interpretation and understanding is unique to each person.
My personal perspective on maps is that there is a place for the construct of real maps, and the creation of fictional maps. Both require interpretation, and how they are interpreted is dependent on what the reader understands, and what the writer has provided. Fictional maps should be used in education as they develop skills and imagination that interconnect with geography and history.
"His disciples came and asked him, "Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?" He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them" (Matthew 13: 10-12).
References
An Encounter in the Midst. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://go.own.edu/~jbkrygie/krygier_html/geog_222/geog_222_lo/munby.pdf
Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authority (2012). Retrieved from
http://www.acara.edu.au/verve/_resources/Draft_F-12_Australian_Curriculum_
Geography_Validation_Version_29082012.pdf
Educause Learning Initiative (n.d.). Authentic Learning for the 21st Century.
Retrieved from
Retrieved from
http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/eli3009.pdf
Game of Thrones "Official" show open (HBO) [Video File]. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7L2PVdrb_8
Labyrinths. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://go.owu.edu/~jbkrygie/krygier_html/geog_222/geog_222_lo/borges.pdf
Lonely Planet (n.d.). Map of Australia. Retrieved from
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/pacific/australia/
The Guardian (n.d.). Treasure Island, the ever-open dead man's chest: from the archive, 19 November 1983 | From the Guardian | theguardian.com. Retrieved from
http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2013/nov/19/treasure-island-robert-louis-
stevenson-star-wars
Treasure Island. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ukoln.ac.uk/sevices/treasure/contents.html
Tyndale House Pulishers (2004). Holy Bible: New Testament : New Living Translation.
Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers.
Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers.
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