Cultural Mapping
Indigenous groups are increasingly wishing to display their knowledge and values in ways that are unique to their modes of expression, particularly through spatial representations. ESS can facilitate and assist clients in the mapping, storage and protection of cultural information, such as sites, areas, traditional owner regions, dreamings (among others). Using tools specifically designed for the client, ESS works with groups to record this information in the landscape either in a desktop environment or in the field. Once mapped, additional information (such as traditional stories, songs or dances, which can be recorded and attached in multimedia formats such as audio or video) can be recorded and added to these spatial features. This information can be stored in a secure database with the appropriate permissions assigned based on local cultural protocols to ensure protection of the information.
Key features:
- Indigenous groups conduct mapping on their terms
- Traditional knowledge and cultural information can be recorded and situated in place
- Highlights the spatial aspects of traditional knowledge and cultural information
- Provides an alternative and culturally relative way of recording and displaying information
Projects involving cultural mapping:
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park