Feminism, Maps and GIS

Until recently, there was not much connection between feminism and cartography or GIS (geographic information science and/or system) but today they are increasingly intertwined. The meaning and purpose of mapping have significantly changed in recent decades due to several reasons. For example, the mapping process has become computerized, virtually all spatial information is now digital, and GIS has emerged as essential when working with spatial data. At the same time, women have increased their visibility and presence in science and technologies. Feminist scholarship, too, has made a profound impact on social science and geography and has come to inform and influence the fields of cartography and GIS. This article discusses the changing relationship of cartography and GIS and presents major feminist critiques of these fields. After examining the undervalued contribution of women to both cartography and GIS, the article focuses on an ongoing engagement of feminism with GIS and practices of mapping. This engagement includes reclaiming the power of vision, creating a range of feminist cartographies, and the broader impacts of geospatial technologies on women's daily lives.