Maptime Diliman X Geography Week 2019: Counter-mapping the Philippines

Maptime is, rather literally, time for mapmaking and talking about maps. Our mission is to open the doors of cartographic possibility to anyone interested by creating a time and space for collaborative learning, exploration, and map creation using mapping tools and technologies.

For this month's meetup, we'll talk about counter-mapping. The concept of counter-mapping begins with the premise that maps are never neutral but rather reflect power relations in society (Mitchell and Elwood, 2016). It refers to efforts to appropriate the state’s "techniques and manner of representation" to bolster the legitimacy of ”customary or indigenous” claims to resources (Peluso, 1995).

In partnership with the University of the Philippines Department of Geography, in celebration of Geography Week 2019, and the Counter-mapping for peri-urban social justice project, we will learn about the concept of counter-mapping, counter-mapping efforts around the world, counter-mapping efforts in the Philippines, the tools and techniques used in counter-mapping, and how we can help.

Our speakers are:
Arnisson Andre Ortega, PhD (University of Glasgow)
Yany Lopez, PhD (UP Department of Geography)
Ony Martinez, MSc (UP Department of Geography)
Ben Hur Pintor (Counter-mapping for Peri-urban Social Justice Project)

Everyone is welcome -- from beginners to seasoned mappers -- and, since counter-mapping is a collaborative and participatory process, attendees from other fields and disciplines are encouraged to attend so we can discuss how fields like art, film, journalism, anthropology, linguistics, geo-informatics, data science, remote sensing, etc. can help counter-mapping efforts.

See you at Room 2248 (Geography Conference Room), Pavilion 2, Palma Hall at the University of the Philippines!

----

Maptime is collaborative, simultaneously flexible and structured, creating space to feature independent/collaborative work time. The inspiration for Maptime comes from hack nights and knitting circles, and we seek to provide a relaxed collective learning environment. We're especially interested in discussing new mapping tools in a space for people to create and learn together. Our goal is to provide a safe space for mapping with an open heart and without pretension. We hope you bring your own projects to work on, or just hang out and socialize or ask questions. Some people are experts, and some people are just getting started, but all of us are learning--which it's always best to do together!