Jan D. BLÁHA

The paradox of innovation in cartographic works from the point of view of aesthetics

Bláha, J. D.: The paradox of innovation in cartographic works from the point of view of aesthetics. Kartografické listy, 2006, 14, 1 fig., 3 tabs., 25 refs.

Abstract: As with other areas of human activity, authors often seek opportunities for innovating their cartographic work or options for marketing work with completely new concepts. Paradoxically, although users desire something new, they also require concepts familiar to them, concepts they are used to. Some users prefer tradition, while others place a greater emphasis on innovation. In addition, the quest for something new frequently leads authors (whereas knowingly or unawares) to traditional and proven concepts. Other questions that come to mind regarding this topic include: Where is the borderline between the new and the traditional? What is the difference between updating and innovating cartographic works? How is innovation demonstrated and what opportunities does it present? What is the role of author’s style these days? The objective of this paper is to suggest answers to all of these questions. The paper builds on findings of aesthetics and theory of art, allowing a certain degree of comparison between innovation in art and innovation in cartography. It includes a brief definition of terms related to this topic: the principle of distinguishing, intentionality vs. unintentionality, repetition and seriality, rhythm factor, cliché, and kitsch or originality vs. stereotype.

Keywords: innovation and tradition, distinguishing, cliché, update of map content, comparison of artistic and cartographic work, author’s and publisher’s style