September 29, 2008 -- Over 100 delegates celebrated the art and science of mapmaking as the worldwide debate about the value of Internet mapping continued. Sparked by comments from the British Cartographic Society’s President, Mary Spence MBE, the argument that some Internet maps are ‘demolishing our history’ provided a thought-provoking headline for Mapping 2008: Making the Most of Maps. Supported by a packed conference programme of inspirational presentations, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities. Mapping 2008: Making the Most of Maps, a residential conference built around the Society’s annual symposium, took place from the 3rd to the 6th September, at the Harben House Conference facility near Milton Keynes.

Headlines aside, the Mapping 2008: Making the Most of Maps conference programme featured an impressive line up of industry experts who gave inspirational presentations on a diverse range of map related topics including representatives from the Association for Geographic Information, Kingston University, City University, Pitney Bowes MapInfo and the government’s Communities and Local Government. Feedback from delegates included “A great mix of speakers from a diverse range of activities across the cartographic spectrum”, “I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of speakers and topics of discussion” and “Thought provoking presentations”. A selection of presentations is available to download from the Society’s website: www.cartography.org.uk

In addition to the full programme of presentations delegates could choose from a range of hands-on workshops. Topics included ‘Get started in mapping!’, ‘Making the most of OS MasterMap’, ‘Applying the KISS principle for effective map communication’, ‘Understanding GPS as a valuable aid to Cartography’ and ‘The trials and tribulations of map research’. “It was good to have some practical approach,” commented one attendee, while another said “a good place to learn new skills”.

Mapping 2008: Making the Most of Maps also included all the favourite elements from over four decades of symposiums including the Map Curators’ Workshop with a visit to the RAF Military Intelligence Museum at Chicksands, special interest group meetings, a commercial exhibition, gala dinner and annual awards ceremony.

Mapping 2008: Making the Most of Maps was organised on behalf of The British Cartographic Society, by Training 4 GIS, the training and consultancy division of The GeoInformation Group. Fiona Cocks, Training Director, commented “This year’s event was a complete sell out and we will build on this, and all positive feedback from delegates, to make next year’s event bigger and better.”

For further information visit www.cartography.org.uk or call the organisers on +44 (0)1223 880077.