Storytelling with maps
Of course maps tell a story. But while cartographers like John Krygier and Cindy Brewer offer us resources for making good maps, how do we tell better stories?
According to This American Life’s Ira Glass, a good story consists of three basic components:
1. Begin almost self-consciously in media res, with an unrelenting anecdote full of “and then…and then…and then…” forward motion.
2. This forward motion is achieved by a stream of questions constantly raised and answered by the sections introduced by each “and then.”3. Reflect upon what it all means.
I wonder if referring in the body of a written work to a map that stands apart from that body is antithetical to good storytelling. I like the approach taken by Edward Tufte, who often introduces his maps and graphics with a simple comma, as he would introduce any words relevant to the preceding paragraph. I once thought this choice was to spare readers from the time and effort of searching for Map 2-1 (previous page) or Table 3-5 (appendix).
I realize now Tufte’s respect for the pace and timing of a good story.
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