Mapping Outside the Metropole 

Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya, Barcelona 24-28 May 2027 

We are delighted to welcome proposals to participate in the International Society for the History of the Map (ISHMap) Symposium and Workshop that will take place in Barcelona. The Symposium is organized in collaboration with the Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya.

Spain—as an empire, kingdom, and nation—has been known for its diverse regional cultures, politics, and topographies. In hosting this conference in Barcelona, ISHMap builds on this history through the theme of Mapping Outside the Metropole to think about centers of cultural production outside of the imperial capital. We welcome submissions that highlight national, regional, colonial, post-colonial maps and cartography. 

The Symposium is open to everyone working in the history of cartography. The Workshop welcomes applications from professionals at the early stages in academic and public careers. To present or attend a workshop, you must be an ISHMap member by the date you register for the symposium and workshop. 

Applications will be accepted until 30 September 2026 for individual papers, panels and roundtables or other proposed sessions. The review and acceptance will occur by 14 December 2026. Additional details about the symposium program and associated activities are forthcoming.

A two-day Workshop (24-26 May 2027) for early career professionals (scholars, curators, archivists, and librarians) working in the history of cartography, will precede the Symposium. Hands-on activities led by experts in the field may include sessions focusing on data, machine learning, and historical maps, Cold War mapping, early sea charts, and the materiality and production of the maps. 

The Symposium (26-28 May 2027) will include paper and posters on all aspects of the history of maps and mapping. We particularly welcome proposals that address issues related to mapping outside of the metropole and the central sites of colonial and state power as well as proposals that bring comparative or cross-cultural perspectives to the history of maps and mapping.

This will be an in-person conference with all presentations and papers delivered. The keynote address may be available as a hybrid lecture.

EVENT CALENDAR

  • 30 September 2026: Application deadline for Symposium and Workshop.
  • 14 December 2026: Acceptances delivered.
  • 1 March 2026: Registration for participants closes.
  • 15 March 2026: Final program available online
  • 26 April 2027: Registration for non-participants (attendees) closes.
  • 24-26 May 2027: ISHMap Workshop (in person)
  • 26-28 May 2027: ISHMap Symposium (in person)
  • 29 May 2027: Post-Symposium Trip

Co-Chairs:

Featured image:

Puerto y Cª Conde, “Plano de Barcelona de los Grandes Almacenes El Siglo,” [1897-1904].