I’m not sure if it’s something peculiar to cartography folks, or it’s just the people I tend to spend more of my time with but they tend to be very thoughtful, giving, and compassionate. In thinking about my map of the week for this week there were some really great examples on topics such as climate change, 3D landscapes, and giant terrain models. But my map of the week is tiny, and very personal.
My friend and colleague Edie Punt posted a tweet midweek that hit an emotional nerve. I know a little of the backstory but essentially Edie met up with a friend who is embarking on a trip which is likely a last due to cancer. There’s been a lot of cancer in my family too over the years as there has with many. But it was the picture that captured my attention.
Edie’s exceptionally gifted with a needle and thread, as well as with her cartographic work and she’d made this pouch for her friend for their upcoming travels.
And look right there, in the centre. A perfectly formed map of the world. According to Edie it’s “1:400 million scale, Equal Earth projection. Maybe not adequate for navigation”. Who, other than a cartographer would give thought to the size, scale, and projection to ensure the map makes sense even at such a small size. It’s beautiful, and I joked with her that rather than the colouring keeping rigidly within the lines, that’s what makes it such a hand-made piece of (c)art.
It has perfect generalisation for the scale but it also breaks the rules, and the conformity of mapping. The colour extends across boundaries. It’s a small splash of colour amongst the backdrop of life itself. But most of all, it’s a wonderful gift. And I really love it.