Mapping life

What is a map?  How does a map work?

Here are a couple of definitions of different types of maps…

A map is a visual representation of an area—a symbolic depiction highlighting relationships between elements of that space such as objects, regions, and themes.

Many maps are static two-dimensional, geometrically accurate (or approximately accurate) representations of three-dimensional space, while others are dynamic or interactive, even three-dimensional. Although most commonly used to depict geography, maps may represent any space, real or imagined, without regard to context or scale; e.g. Brain mapping, DNA mapping, and extraterrestrial mapping.

A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.

A thematic map is a type of map or chart especially designed to show a particular theme connected with a specific geographic area. These maps “can portray physical, social, political, cultural, economic, sociological, agricultural, or any other aspects of a city, state, region,nation , or continent”.

What we will do:

For our next investigation you will be creating a map of your life. You will choose to map either your physical life, your emotional life, or your intellectual life.  Think about how map makers must be selective about the information they include in their maps.  They must choose only the information that is most vital.  Too much information and the viewer is overwhelmed and confused.  Too little, and the viewer can not decipher the meaning of the map.  As you think about making a map of your life, choose what information you need to include to make you map readable and insightful.  To begin this process please write a one page paper that responds to the following prompt:

Describe and detail what events/information would appear on a map of your physical, emotional and intellectual life.

Please check out the artist Stephen Cartwright for inspiration