Terms of Reference: 1999-2003
Cartography is no longer confined only to our home planet. The overall theme for this working group is the harmonization of international planetary cartography efforts. Note that "harmonization" is not the same as "homogenization"; we are not advocating an effort to make all national programs look the same. Instead, we are interested in facilitating the free interchange of ideas and information between various national efforts, each of which incorporate some component of planetary cartography. To progress toward this goal, we propose the following terms of reference:
1. The promotion of all aspects of planetary cartography in an international setting. In this effort, we identify three distinct but mutually supportive uses for planetary cartographic materials: cartographic products used for scientific research, materials intended for use in education, and materials for public outreach. Each national effort will have its own unique mix of these three uses, but we wish to encourage the growth of all three aspects in each national program.
2. Documentation and analysis of the present status of planetary cartography within the international community. This effort was started during the previous term, but we intend to seek ways to solicit broader international participation in the surveys.
3. Evaluation of possible methods to enhance harmonization of planetary cartographic activities around the world. During the last term, we progressed on the development of a map of Mars with marginal notes presented in several languages. This map is nearing production, and we intend to explore how multi-lingual planetary maps (and supporting documentation) can be used effectively in several different countries.
Our goal is to develop materials that can help disseminate some of the wonders of planetary science to all nations, not just the technological countries who are presently involved in planetary exploration.
4. Communication of conclusions and ideas with groups representing a wide variety of international scientific and educational communities. We have begun the process of identifying representatives from various interest groups within the nations currently involved in space exploration. The goal is to provide a mechanism to facilitate the free dissemination of information between groups that utilize various aspects of planetary information, but which may not be talking to each other effectively at present.
These terms will be addressed through the following list of proposed activities.
It is likely that this list will increase as discussions continue within
the group, but they provide the basic framework to guide our efforts during
the coming term.
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