IPCC Climate Change Map Critique: The Rest of the Story

Jonathan over at the Map Room cites an interview with authors Jean E. McKendry and Gary E. Machlis, two University of Idaho professors about their recent article about cartography. The article which appears in Climate Change (abstract) highlights a map critique technique and argues that climate change maps should be critiqued. The map explored in the article uses as an example a map that appeared in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 2007 report. In particular the pair question the chosen projection and thematic color scheme. Jonathan notes: “It’s okay to disagree with how a map was done, or to argue that you would have done it differently, but that’s not the same as saying that the IPCC got it wrong.”

True. And Jean E. McKendry and Gary E. Machlis don’t say that, so far as I read in the abstract. But then I’d have to pay to read the full article.

I want to point out that part of my intro cart class was such a critique. In fact, we had to, if I recall correctly, redraft the map to make it better. There was one rule: you could not select a map of the school’s faculty members. I think McKendry (who has a geography PhD from Clark) and Machlis are on track. And, by using such a high profile map/report they certainly are getting the story into the limelight.

I suspect the article in Climate Change may help drum up some “controversy” and McKendy and Machlis’ consulting business: The Ilahie Group. The company philosophy: “The Ilahie Group’s philosophy is to help scientific, professional and governmental organizations plan, communicate, operate, and serve their own clients more effectively and efficiently.” One of the company competencies? “Client-based cartography.”