Just as every map is based on the mapmaker’s conscious and unconscious decisions, every dataset – the basis of any map – is shaped by its production context. Understanding this context “is essential for conducting accurate, ethical analysis” (D’Ignazio & Klein, 2020, p. 149) because data is never neutral or objective (Dalton & Thatcher, 2014; D’Ignazio & Klein, 2020; Loukissas, 2019). So, what can it look like to research and reflect on the dataset production context as part of the map-making workflow? In this workshop, we will discuss and explore approaches to doing so by focusing on the perspectives of the participants, of people making maps. Through interactive and creative methods, we will brainstorm relevant aspects and prototype tools that focus on understanding and incorporating the context of data production into the map-making workflow. The workshop will foster exchange and learning from each other to strengthen responsible and ethical data practices in cartography. The workshop will be documented, and the results will – in aggregated and anonymized form – contribute to Ester Scheck’s doctoral research.

Bibliography

Dalton, C., & Thatcher, J. (2014). What Does A Critical Data Studies Look Like, And Why Do We Care? https://www.societyandspace.org/articles/what-does-a-critical-data-studies-look-like-and-why-do-we-care D’Ignazio, C., & Klein, L. F. (2020). Data Feminism. The MIT Press. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/11805.001.0001 Loukissas, Y. A. (2019). All data are local: Thinking critically in a data-driven society. The MIT Press.

• Facilitator: Ester Scheck
• Organization: Technische Universität Wien