History of Cartography Project

Summary

The History of Cartography Project stands as a cornerstone of the inclusive, culturally oriented approaches to map history that emerged after 1980. Initiated by J. B. Harley and David Woodward in 1977, it aimed to unify fragmented scholarship and provide an authoritative reference on mapmaking practices and institutions. The project evolved from an initial four-volume plan to six volumes, covering European, Asian, indigenous, and modern periods. Its published volumes profoundly influenced classical and medieval cartographic studies, but by 1999, scale concerns necessitated an encyclopedic structure incorporating the concept of 'cartographic modes' to address production and consumption processes. Following Woodward's death in 2004, Matthew H. Edney assumed leadership, guiding the series to completion at approximately 6.5 million words. The project continues to challenge scholars to rethink maps' historical and cultural significance, serving as a rallying point for open, inclusive scholarship.