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Photo by Thien-Kim Bui
Map collage workshops offer participants an introduction to using collage as a method to critically question and engage with place through maps. By cutting up maps into discrete elements, participants learn to see maps as more than objective, descriptive objects. By putting map elements together in new and interesting ways, participants learn how maps tell stories and document place in a process that reveals priorities, values, and beliefs.
As a method, map collage is flexible, accessible, and inclusive; is less prescriptive than surveys or interviews; and may complement traditional GIS and mapping practices. The collaborative and conversational nature of group artmaking may further enhance research by introducing additional, valuable nuance about the role of relationships and social learning in environmental planning.
Photos by Thien-Kim Bui
Workshop
Workshop
Objectives
Objectives
Introduce collage as a qualitative research method and deliberative exercise
Describe the role of maps in thinking geographically
Create a map collage
Supplies
Supplies
Maps - Offering a large number of different types of maps, organized by aesthetic, may productively inspire and motivate artmaking. Moving away from organizing by genre (for example, genres may include World, Region/ Country, or Purpose/ Theme) helps to unsettle familiar ways of thinking and relating to place. The following image shows how maps were organized for one workshop.
This floor plan shows how and where maps were organized in the map room. The green wavy-edged rectangles represent the maps, and each number corresponds to an aesthetic category, listed on the right. The yellow rectangles represent work tables.
Scissors
Glue - If using glue sticks, choose a trusted, sticky brand like Elmer's or UHU. If using liquid, a paintbrush may be used to spread glue more easily. Consider adding paintbrushes to your supply list.
Markers, crayons, pens, pencils
A variety of colored papers
Collage base, such as cardboard or posterboard
Cutting mats
Craft knife (optional)
Paintbrush (optional)
Workshop schedule
Workshop schedule
Upcoming presentations
Upcoming presentations
"Cut and Paste: Understanding place through cartographic collage", with Thien-Kim Bui and David Banis (Portland State University)
North American Cartographic Information Society 2025 Annual Meeting | October 15 - 18, 2025 | Louisville, Kentucky
"Mapping Beyond Boundaries: Creative Geographies as Tools for Interdisciplinary Research and Teaching", with Sarah Kelly and Aletha Spang (Dartmouth College), and Thien-Kim Bui (Portland State University)
2025 a2ru Conference: “Creative Futures: Driving Interdisciplinary Innovation Through the Arts” | October 23 - 25, 2025 | Madison, Wisconsin
Past workshops
Past workshops
Cut / Paste: A map collage workshop & social | January 25, 2025
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