Interdisciplinary Approaches 1
- katieiwatk
- Jan 17, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 18, 2024
Deep Mapping and Art
Deep mapping is a research method without source limitations. There’s emphasis on inviting multiple collaborations and including layers of research, aiming to provoke educational discussion. Research methods can include but are not limited to: Perception, Experience, Memory, Weather and Historical Developments.
“Deep Maps: West Cork Coastal Cultures is a collaborative project between the School of BEES (School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science) and the School of English at University College Cork. The project launched in April 2016.”
Their deep mapped project of West Cork Coastal Cultures sorts sources into selected categories: Visual culture, Poetry, Early 19th century accounts, 18th century accounts, Environment, Species, Soundbites and Folklore. This colour coded, map plotted organisation ensures that this information is accessible and able to be understood by people of all backgrounds. The variety of information documented creates a diverse but structured digital archive of the West Cork Coast.
Tim Robinson was an artist who explored deep mapping of the Island of Inishmore. He began creating a series of maps, but soon found that simply naming these locations wasn’t enough to show true detail and “spirit”. These maps, “Folding Landscapes”, were published to share Robinsons locational knowledge with locals and tourists. He also wrote multiple books, covering topics such as “anthropology, linguistics, history, folklaw, geology and natural history.” These topics are typical focus points of deep mapping accounts, allowing people to better understand how people experienced and viewed this location at this a point of history.
Tim Robinson used his artistic background to illustrate and label an original map of a location he was new to, but fond of. I find the concept of new location experience interesting and feel it relates to my current first year at university. To explore deep mapping through an artistic method, I will explore specific categories of where I currently live in halls of residence. I will also share this plan with those within my shared flat as I previously learnt that many creators of sources create a well rounded, unbiased account.
When viewing all of the photos that had been sent to me, I found myself automatically grouping them into categories. Kitchen (non human), Kitchen (social) and observations from a window. Then carefully organised them into 3 by 3 photos, grouping like images on each line and ensuring each box of 9 images was theme specific. Using my flat mates images has helped me create the foundation of a deep map of where we live. Using their images has created a wider point of view and adds variety and character.
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