How do stakeholders engage with critical cartography in planning? Analysis of a decision-making process in marine governance

Maps play a vital role in planning processes, especially marine spatial planning (MSP), as they are the primary means of representing the vast ocean spaces for stakeholders. While numerous studies have explored the roles stakeholders play and their involvement in MSP, few have considered how maps are created for these stakeholders or how they interpret them. This research seeks to unveil the ‘black box’ of mapping, highlighting how stakeholders engage with the decision-making aspects of map creation and expanding the knowledge base in this domain. It examines the interplay between power and knowledge by analysing how laypeople engage in critical cartography and why it is crucial they understand the maps. Data was collected from focus groups consisting of 30 stakeholders from professional marine sectors, civil society and state departments. The findings reveal that stakeholders actively engage in critical cartography, demonstrating how power dynamics are shaped by the use and perception of maps. These dynamics often reinforce the dominance of already powerful stakeholders. The study confirms the existence of non-academic critical cartography and emphasises the importance of taking it into account in multi-stakeholder workshops and participatory mapping projects to prevent the reinforcement of power imbalances. This approach can foster a more equitable mapping process, ensuring that all voices are heard.