Learning Center: Expert in Cartography

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The Value of Using Primary Sources
for the
CARTOGRAPHER

Rafael Gutierrez
Cartographer

I first became interested in cartography, the science and art of making maps, at college. I was a Geology major at Appalachian State University and was offered the opportunity to participate in a seismological study of the fjords in southeast Alaska.  The study team tracked seismic transmissions and took core samples of the sediment at the fjord floor.  My job was to plot our course along the fjords. The act of locating our work along a map was extremely exciting; I purchased a beautiful geological map of Alaska that revealed to me the great complexities and mysteries of mapping—for  example, how and why do people represent their landscapes?  How are their representatives related to their value systems? Who “gets” to make maps? What can one learn about their environment from “interpreting” a map? I was hooked!

Upon returning to school, I began to link my passion for mapping to my new understanding of how human actions shape and change the landscape.  This connection paved the way for my intellectual forays into global studies, alternative transportation, and sustainable development. Finally, my interests brought me to Portland—a virtual mecca for those interested in Geography, Urban Planning, and Environmental Science.

I enrolled at Portland State University where I studied cartography and Geographic Information Systems . I work now as a Geographic Information Systems Analyst at an Environmental Consulting firm, where I create maps of wetlands that define zoning limitations.  My mapping skills are being used to protect our environment!

The most common cartographic resources used by cartographers include historic maps and aerial photography. Occasionally, cartographers use time-series data as historic records of floods, animal populations or native plants, or land-use practices.  Depending on the purpose of a map, a cartographer may have to use a variety of sources, including census data, photographs, even older maps to represent a particular area.

And of course, maps are primary sources as well.  Historians use them to recreate our past, ask questions, develop responses or analyses that further clarify the significance of history.

The following lesson plans will help you work with your students to understand the relevance of primary sources to the science and art of map making!

 • Elementary School Lesson Plan in Cartography
 • Middle School Lesson Plan in Cartography
 • High School Lesson Plan in Cartography

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