Mapping LA

LA Times new Mapping LA is an interesting and controversial interactive project to refresh the map of Los Angeles communities.

Mapping is an extremely powerful way to project power, whether in the Middle East or right here, in the local world of neighborhood councils. It helps determine identity, resources, and in some cases, even survival.

Here's Denis Wood in his book The Power of Maps, exploring how maps project and shape reality. And here's Arthur Jay in his book The Power of Projections: How Maps Reflect Global Politics and History.

Here is a spat on Mar Vista's map, led by Chuck Ray, an active Mar Vista resident involved in the Mar Vista Community Council, taking LA Times to task for ignoring the neighborhood council maps in its project.

Conclusion? Maps matter!