Driesser, Tuur (2021) Maps as objects : exploring an object-oriented approach to cartography through maps in the smart city. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis starts from the premise of the changing nature of maps in the context of digital technologies and big data on the one hand, and a burst in theorising them, on the other. One context in which these developments in mapping technologies is particularly prominent is that of the smart city. This provides an interesting context in which to study developments in map use and production and the way in which new theories may be helpful in understanding this changing nature of maps. The thesis therefore explores two case studies of mapping projects in the smart city – MotionMap in Milton Keynes and Whereabouts London – to ask: can object-oriented ontology be used to inform cartographic theory and research?

It considers the philosophical debates on object-oriented ontology (OOO) to examine how a different theoretical framework can yield new perspectives on the role of maps in the representation and production of space. It reviews key cartographical traditions such as the communication approach, critical and post-representational cartography, and discusses how OOO challenges their assumptions. Based on this, it develops a number of different lines of enquiry for an object-oriented approach to cartography. In particular, these lines of enquire revolve around relationship between emergence and change: the interior withdrawal of objects on the one hand and their outward ability to relate and affect on the other. Bringing together these concerns about OOO, cartography and the smart city, the aims to contribute to a number of research areas. Firstly, it explores the relevance of object-oriented thinking to the cartographic theory and research. Secondly, it is an examination of the methodological and theoretical relevance of the philosophical principles of OOO to empirical research. Finally, it contributes to the literature on case studies of the smart city.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BD Speculative Philosophy G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GA Mathematical geography. Cartography
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Cartography, Object (Philosophy), Ontology
Official Date:	July 2021
Dates:	Date Event July 2021 UNSPECIFIED
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Lury, Celia ; Elden, Stuart, 1971-
Sponsors:	Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain)
Format of File:	pdf
Extent:	243 leaves : illustrations (some colour), colour maps
Language:	eng

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