Netherlands view by Paul van Hemert      method      click on images to see full scale maps

source: Eurostat

- coastline - population density

“generalisation“ of the coastline in an artistic way

implementation of a grid 100 x 100 km.

(verification of the translation is possible due to the open squares)

filling of the squares

problem: the ESDP text is not explicit in a spatial context; it gives little clues of the position, shape or size of concepts like “polycentic settlement structure” and “dynamic global economy integration zone”.

solution: The use of symbol-patterns in the mapping process.

Concrete (“spatial”) information in the ESDP: The preservation of cultural landscapes is of great importance. In some cases, the targeted protection of places of particular interest is necessary. A small number of places should be placed under protection as unique examples of historical cultural landscapes. Historic paths which lead through different countries should be placed under protection.

GIS basis
source: Europe’s environment, the Dobris Assessment, 1994 - European landscapes

Implementation of a grid 100 x 100 km.

(verification of the translation is possible due to the open squares)

filling of the squares

GIS basis

source: Eurostat - rivers to: more abstract river pattern

+ reduction landscape types

preservation of landscapes

Maps can have different functions. The Dutch contribution to this ESPON exercise results in maps which are not fitted to be used for printed presentation purposes. They will not be understood by a “general public”. Instead they can be helpful to the people involved in further ESDP activities. During the working process it appeared that the concrete spatial information given by the ESDP was insufficient to produce “traditional maps”. There seemed to be several ways of overcoming this problem:

One way is leaving out the geo-reference and producing icon-like illustrations.

Another way is looking for additional information and producing maps on subjects that are related to the text of the ESDP. This will result in for instance GIS-like maps.

A more complicated (you might even say stubborn) way is trying to visualize the ESDP content in a geo-refferenced way although, as has been said, the information given by the ESDP is very limited. This is what we tried in this exercise. The results are maps that are provocative. A reaction from the reader will be inevitable. These reactions will hopefully stimulate further developoment of the ESDP

STARTING POINTS:

the kind of map we are aiming at is a SPATIAL MODEL MAP the METHODOLOGY followed must be clear and a description of this process must accompany the final product (transparancy). the following activities are included: gathering of factual information construction of GIS maps translation of GIS map into a “spatial model map” graphical design of the map

special attention will be given to the search for the appropriate LEVEL OF ABSTRACTION to come up to the requirements of two, somewhat contradictory demands on spatial planning maps at the european level:

The INFORMATION in the maps to be made was restricted to the actual, concrete information in the ESDP.

Except from the necessary basemap, no other resources were consulted, to prevent us from adding to the content of the ESDP

POLYCENTRIC AND BALANCED SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE EU

concrete (“spatial”) information in the ESDP:

A more polycentric European settlement structure with a graduated city ranking.

Creation and enlargement of several dynamic global economy integration zones, well distributed throughout the EU.

Complementing co-operation (economy, culture, education, knowledge, social infrastructure) of city networks at interregional, transnational and EU level.

Conclusions

The limited concrete spatial information of the ESDP forms a very weak basis for traditional mapmaking.

The “pattern-method” used here results in maps which contain a vast amount of tension, but it is an attempt to show “the state of the art”.

However, these maps can be functional in the further development of the ESDP. In the internal working process they will tempt the specialists to react on the spatial image and come up with better alternatives.