British Cartographic Society Celebrates 50 Years

The British Cartographic Society (BCS) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Since 1963, the Society has been supporting individuals and organizations dedicated to exploring and developing the world of maps. Part of its celebration includes a special issue of The Cartographic Journal, which will bring together an interesting range of reflective and forward looking articles covering one simple question: “What does cartography mean to you?”

The Cartographic Journal’s 50 volumes have spanned 115 issues and over 1000 articles in its lifetime. The journal is edited by Kenneth Field, senior cartographer at Esri, Inc., and former principal lecturer in GIS at Kingston University, London. It is an established peer reviewed journal of record and comment containing authoritative articles and international papers on all aspects of cartography, the science and technology of presenting, communicating and analyzing spatial relationships by means of maps and other geographical representations of the Earth’s surface.

“This very special 50th anniversary issue brings together the leading lights in cartography today,” Field said. “Representing academia, commercial mapping, publishing and the so-called neo-cartographers, each contributor has fashioned a personal, reflective piece that will encourage thought and debate as we look to the future. There are some fascinating insights as well as key questions posed that will launch the Journal towards the next 50 years of publication.”

The society will also be hosting a 50th anniversary celebratory conference titled “Today, Tomorrow and Beyond” at the historic Hothorpe Hall, Leicestershire, September 3-6, to reflect on the society’s forward vision for the future of cartography.

The BCS aims to promote the art and science of cartography through publications, events, awards and educational workshops. Members include mapping companies, designers, academics, researchers, map curators, individual cartographers, GIS specialists and ordinary members of the public with an interest in maps.

The special issue is available completely free to download throughout 2013. The entire 50 years of The Cartographic Journal is available to subscribers via IngentaConnect.