ICC 2025 Pre-Conference Workshop of the ICA Commissions on Map Design and Atlases
Date: 17.08.2025, 12:00-15:30
Venue: Vancouver Convention Centre
Duration: 3 hours (2 x 75 minutes with breaks)
Format:
- Short presentations (5 minutes each)
- Group discussions
- Collaborative activities
Join us in Vancouver at a FREE pre-conference workshop exploring the interplay between atlases and map design!
Atlases and maps are more than just tools for orientation and data visualization. They reflect the cultural tensions, values, and perspectives of their societies at a given time. Atlas production and map design also drive technological innovation in spatial communication.
This workshop offers you the opportunity to delve into the fascinating relationship between atlases and map design to examine the important role this relationship plays in the evolution of cartographic innovation during these geopolitically rambunctious times.
Block 1: How Atlases Shape Map Design
In the first session, we’ll explore how atlases influence modern map design through layouts, color schemes, and symbolism.
Up to Five short talks based on accepted abstracts regarding the following topics:
- Historical design concepts in atlases
- Typography and symbols: Where tradition meets modernity
- Color psychology in atlases and maps
- Atlases in the digital age: New approaches
- Limits and opportunities in 21st-century atlas design
Group Discussions:
- How have (and do) atlases shape and inform your perception of maps?
- How has your concept of map design evolved with online atlas products and collaborative production tools?
Block 2: How Maps Shape Atlas Design
The second session will investigate how innovations in map design techniques influence the appearance and structure of atlases.
Up to Five short talks based on accepted abstracts regarding the following topics:
- Iconic maps and symbology design influences
- Data visualization: from maps to atlas
- Integrating local perspectives into global contexts through map design
- The impact of digital and interactive map design on atlas structures
- Potential impact of AI and augmented reality map design on the evolution of atlas design
Group Discussions:
- Which current developments in map design inspire future atlas design?
- What types of changes inspired by contemporary map design can you envision?
- What new mediums, forms, or uses might atlases evolve into given the ubiquity of maps and contemporary design techniques?
What You Can Expect
- Inspiring talks from industry and academic experts in cartography, design, and spatial visualization
- Platform for interdisciplinary, transnational exchange and networking
- Chance to share your ideas and perspectives with other professionals and researchers in collaborative discussion
- In-person networking opportunities with other professionals interested in atlases and map design
REGISTER
Call for Contribution
The workshop will consist of two parts.
- In the first part, we’ll explore how atlases influence modern map design through layouts, color schemes, and symbolism.
- In the second half we will investigate how innovations in map design techniques influence the appearance and structure of atlases.
At the beginning of each session there will be a block of 5 short presentations (5-7 minutes each) in which participants can present their experiences and work reports or theoretical reflections on the respective topics. Please send us your ideas and perspectives for a short presentation as a short abstract (max 200 words) by using the form below.