Cartography as a communication tool in the planning of geographic space

Abstract

Geography has its origin in the human concern for understanding the earth’s surface and all phenomena that surrounds it, for that reason, three key issues have been posed: the first is the topology of facts or objects; the second, the ecological nature, in which are associated the inert, living, and human components; and finally, temporary nature, that show the dynamics or changes the earth surface. To capture these ideas, the map arises as a tool that concisely summarizes the reality of geographical space within reach of the eyes, this ability to control the environment in a sheet of paper has caused the map to be used as an element of power to manipulate different phenomena that occur in an area, becoming an instrument of the status quo that legitimizes the actions caused by the current government. In Colombia, maps are used for the planning of geographical areas although there is a strong disconnect among the state entities which produces unequal mapping of the same territory, regardless of the spatial continuity and topological inaccuracies resulting between maps.