Community mapping as an art form

Over the past few days, there's been a very lively discussion taking place on email, and covering a number of topics.  Out of that discussion has emerged one particular suggestion that seems to resonate with a number of people:

The idea is that we could create an art installation in a public gallery, consisting of a number of large mind-maps or geographic maps.  Each map would seek to capture an aspect of the global movement to create global abundance.

For example, one possible map would be a geographic one, combining regional data on infant mortality rate (IMR) with successful grassroots interventions (e.g. an Epicenter created by The Hunger Project).  This would show, very clearly, the areas of the world where necessary action is being taken, vs those areas where additional intervention is required.

Another possible map would be an X-Y graph of major NGOs, plotting output, in terms of number of lives elevated out of extreme poverty (Y-axis) against input, in terms of $ budget (X-axis).  This would identify very clearly where donors can get the most bang for their buck.

Each map would have a webcam permanently trained on it, so as to facilitate access by the global community.  The web-site would have a feedback facility, allowing registered members to make suggestions for new maps.

In terms of cost, the main expense would be the salary of the curator, but it seems reasonably likely that volunteers could be found for that purpose…. in this community, for example  ;-)

All the best,
Patrick

Re: Community mapping as an art form

What's the advantage of the gallery over having the same maps on a web page? 

Not objecting, just asking. 

Advantage of physical gallery

Jennifer,

It's a good question - I know that because it made me think  ;-)

Here are the advantages I see:

1. It lets people see MUCH more of the picture in one go, which I think is sometimes important.  If we all had wall-sized monitors with infinite resolution, this would make less of a difference, but we don't.

2. I think there's a different level of brain activity that can get unleashed when people have the immediacy of working with a physical picture, even if they have to use Post-It notes to make changes (which is probably not a bad way).

3. The intention of the physical space is that it become the context for Open Space workshops, collaboration cafes, etc.  In other words, there's a lot more to it than just the static display.

The other thing to say is that, in my mind, there's a very powerful synergy between the physical wall (and its maps) and technological representations of the content on the physical wall, which can be manipulated via tools such as MindManager, Google Maps, etc.

My long-term goal is that both will exist, and cross-fertilise one another.

All the best,
Patrick

Re: Community mapping as an art form

The ONLY solution is to eastablish ONE 3D model which encompasses ALL MAPS.

Re: Community mapping as an art form

Michael,

I can go with you as far as believing that an n-dimensional model encompassing multiple maps would be a powerful tool.

I think our aspirations diverge when you start talking about encompassing ALL maps.

The key aim of the mapping exercise is to illuminate or unconceal opportunities for action.  In other words, the purpose of the maps is to allow people to see something they hadn't previously seen.

For that purpose, I believe it's sufficient to represent two or three dimensions, IF those dimensions are carefully chosen, and shown in a way that makes the challenges more immediately apparent.

It's something of a challenge to convey what I mean without doing it, so my intention is to start prototyping some of these ideas in reality, as soon as possible.

All the best,
Patrick

Re: Community mapping as an art form

Unless you can establish a model which encompasses ALL maps - NO solution will ever BE found to be able to “speak with your enemy”. If you cannot “speak with your enemy” WE will never, ever, establsh peace on earth. If we cannot establish peace on earth - YOU will never achieve your goal of eradicating poverty on earth by the time you are 50.

The predominately patriarchal global “control mechanism of HOMO SAPIENS” has to be re-aligned in accordance with “nature”, THE MODEL of the ONE, to re-establish the balance and harmony of yin & yang.

I have set my target to implement that GLOBAL MODEL by the time of Linnie & I's 50th Wedding Anniversary - when hopefully WE shall - ALL 7 billion plus & counting - BE able to reflect on our ACTIONS.

Re: Community mapping as an art form

Two things nagging in my brain: there is a well-known economist/statistician who has illustrated powerfully (in PowerPoint) some of the issues you have mentioned.  Can anyone remember who he is?

And THP's Epicentre philosophy is mirrored by the Sirolli Institute's approach to local economic development in the 'developed' world –  Enterprise Faciltitation®, a powerful social technology that helps communities create economic diversity and sustainability that is people-centered and locally controlled. It empowers people to achieve their personal dreams and aspirations

Re: Community mapping as an art form

O you who are a part of me!

pray tell me, what wisdom do you have to teach me?

… and the snake thus spake …


The Penny On Trust has been established as a “brick in the wall”
of the Penny On campaign.

The Penny On Brand has been established as a “brick in the wall”
of the Penny On campaign.

The Penny On 4-concept has been established as a “brick in the wall”
of the Penny On campaign.

What has thus far not been established IS the clear, concise & coherent
message of the “cement” , which binds all those bricks together.

A simple message of global self-less compassion for ALL in the world
who are worse off than ourselves and, but for the grace of god, would also
include ourselves.

A simple message of the equality of thinking of one woman, one man.

A simple message of TRUST, as with the trust that is established between
a child & it's mother and that which is established between them and the father,
to further establish the “brick of the family”.

Bricks of individuals, bricks of families, bricks of nations of families & …
bricks of the family of nations.

ALL bound together, in balance & harmony, in a simple model of the Penny On Wall.


LOVE

machiavellissssssssssssssssssnake