Contextualization

Cartography is a graphic representation of a territory, the result of an intricate language that gathers information, tells stories, and deciphers territories. Playing a central role in geography, cartography not only maps our physical world but interprets it through a variety of sociocultural, political, and historical lenses.

The evolution of cartography allows us to approach time and space as fundamental concepts. In the modern approach to cartography, we see the passage of time reflected in the transformation of maps, and space is represented in numerous ways. Furthermore, technology has advanced cartography in ways never before imagined, enabling the creation of interactive maps, which are excellent tools for learning and analysis.

The importance of approaching cartography through the prism of time and space has profound applications in our daily lives. It helps us understand the distribution of resources, human mobility, the evolution of political boundaries, the development of cities, and much more. By becoming aware of these concepts, we are better able to understand complex problems, such as environmental and social challenges, and seek solutions to them.

This project will bring more visibility and understanding of cartography and how it relates to time and space. It will also allow students to work in teams, develop socio-emotional skills such as time management, effective communication, and problem-solving, which are extremely useful both in school and in life.

To prepare for this project, students can read the book 'The History of the World in Maps' by Mick Ashworth, which offers a fascinating look at the history of cartography and how it has shaped our understanding of the world. Additionally, the Google Earth platform is an excellent tool for visualizing and exploring different aspects of the Earth from a global perspective. Finally, the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) website has a vast range of maps and information that can help students delve deeper into the subject.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Time, Space, and Cartography: An Interdisciplinary Analysis

Project Objective:

The main objective of this project is to carry out an interdisciplinary analysis of a historical map, investigating the impact of time and space on the transformation of territories. Students will explore the physical, cultural, political, and historical aspects present in the map and how they are interconnected. To do this, students should involve concepts from the disciplines of History, Geography, and if possible, Arts and Technology.

Detailed Project Description:

Students, divided into groups of 3 to 5 members, should choose a historical map considering its period, region, and theme. It will be necessary to critically analyze the chosen map, taking into account the principles of cartography, geographical elements, historical context, as well as any artistic or technological aspects present (if relevant). The analysis should consider the evolution of space over time and its reflections in cartography.

Required Materials:

1. Internet access for research
2. Reference books
3. Chosen historical map
4. Text and image editing software
5. Slideshow presentation software (optional)

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Map Selection: Each group must select a historical map to analyze. The map chosen must have been produced in a significant period in historical, political, or cultural terms. It can be a map of global scale, a country, or even a city.

2. Geographical Analysis: After choosing the map, students should conduct a geographical analysis of it. This involves identifying and discussing the physical elements (rivers, mountains, vegetation, etc.) and human elements (cities, borders, roads, etc.) present on the map.

3. Historical Analysis: In this stage, students will contextualize the map from a historical perspective. They should research and discuss the period in which the map was created, significant historical events of the time, and how they are reflected on the map.

4. Symbolic and Cultural Interpretation: Are there symbols or cultural representations present on the map? If so, students should interpret them and discuss what they represent.

5. Artistic and Technological Analysis: If relevant, students should discuss any artistic or technological aspects present on the map, such as drawing style, printing technique, etc.

6. Temporal and Spatial Perspectives: Based on the previous analyses, students should discuss how the space represented on the map has changed over time and how these changes are reflected in cartography.

7. Report Elaboration: Finally, students must write a detailed report of their analyses and findings. The report should include an introduction, development (with all the analyses), conclusions, and the bibliography used. Additionally, the report should include images of the map and possible tables and graphs that can enrich the work.

8. Project Presentation: If possible, each group can prepare a short presentation of their project for the rest of the class. The presentation should follow the structure of the report and can be done through slides, video, or any other format preferred by the students.

Project Deliverables:

Students must deliver the complete report in text format containing all the required topics (Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography). Additionally, students should include in the report the images of the analyzed map and any other images, tables, or graphs that have helped in the analysis. If they have made a presentation, the slides or video of it should also be delivered.

The report should follow the structure below:

1. Introduction: Contextualization of the theme, map choice, and its relevance. Objectives of the work.

2. Development: Explanation of the theory behind the analysis, detailed description of the project steps (geographical, historical, cultural, artistic, and technological analysis), discussion on temporal and spatial perspectives, presentation and discussion of the results obtained.

3. Conclusions: Conclusions drawn from the project, learnings, and contributions to the understanding of cartography, time, and space.

4. Bibliography: Sources used for the project, which may include books, articles, web pages, videos, etc.