Charting New Territories: Collaborative Cartography at the Canadian Cartographic Association Conference

One of the most notable events on the Canadian geomatics calendar is the annual conference hosted by the Canadian Cartographic Association (CCA).

A great conference where the content is consistently impressive. This year, the event will be held in May at the University of Toronto Scarborough, where I will discuss something new that exemplifies the spirit of collaboration—the “Canada Maps” traveling map gallery project. This effort, a partnership between the International Map Industry Association (IMIA), the Canadian Cartographic Association, and GoGeomatics Canada, demonstrates the profound impact of cooperation in advancing cartography.

The traveling map gallery is more than just a collection of maps; it’s a curated narrative that illustrates how cartographers, geographers, academia and industry can collectively push the boundaries of what maps can represent and achieve. The journey of this gallery through key events organized by each participating group in 2024 starts with collecting submissions at each event which culminates in a full display at the National Canadian Geomatics expo in Calgary October 28-30th 2024.

• GG Event – May 14-15 GeoIgnite Ottawa (collect submissions)
• CCA Event- May 23-24 CCA Toronto (display, collect submissions)
• IMIA Event – June 5-6 IMIA Denver (collect Industry submissions)
• IMIA Event – Aug 22 IMIA Toronto (display full gallery)
• GG Event Oct 28-30 GoGeomatics Calgary Expo (display full gallery)

Why is this important?

Showcasing Excellence: Each organization displays a carefully selected assortment of maps and posters, highlighting the exceptional talent within their communities. This not only fosters pride but also motivates members to pursue excellence in their own cartographic endeavors.

Professional Growth: The gallery provides a platform for professionals and students alike to receive feedback, engage with peers, and gain recognition for their work. Such interactions are invaluable for personal and professional development.

Public Engagement: As the gallery travels, it serves as a tool for outreach, engaging the public and educating them about the importance and impact of cartography. This enhances the field’s visibility and inspires future generations of map-makers.

This year’s collaboration builds on the successful showcase at the GoGeomatics Expo in Calgary in 2023, where we hosted the winners of the Canadian cartographic awards from their AGM in Calgary, presenting them to a new audience. This year, we are expanding by including the industry association in the effort.

As we prepare for the conference and the subsequent exhibitions of the gallery, I am reminded of the adage, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This project is not just about reaching new distances; it’s about transforming the landscape of how cartographic collaborations are conducted and perceived.

I invite all members of IMIA, CCA, and GoGeomatics Canada, as well as the broader geospatial community, to join us at the upcoming CCA2024 conference to explore this exciting project. Together, we are mapping the future of cartography, one collaboration at a time.

Engagement Opportunity: Universities and colleges are encouraged to get in touch to learn how to submit your maps and posters to the gallery. Get in touch with me to learn more.