Deconstructing the ‘Crown of the Continent’: Power, Politics and the Process of Creating National Geographic's Geotourism Mapguides

Abstract

Maps can take a variety of forms from simple symbols to complex, interactive layers of information. Given their widespread use and potency as symbols and tools, maps are often assumed to be objective representations of reality. However, map creation involves an implicit privileging of certain perspectives. That maps are actually socio-political constructions has implications for how they can be used, by whom and for what ends. This paper explores the process of creating National Geographic's Crown of the Continent geotourism mapguide. Geotourism mapguides, like all maps, are influenced by social and political factors and thus act as a persuasive form of communication and an articulation of particular values despite being founded on scientific triangulation. In this paper we deconstruct the Crown of the Continent mapguide in order to shed light on why these maps should be viewed as socially constructed representations of space that are power-laden and have the potential to create a place-myth for the Crown of the Continent that is not representative of the values of the people of the region.

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