Editorial: 2019 US National Report to ICA

The US National Report, which is presented to the General Assembly of the International Cartographic Association every four years, describes the cartographic and geographic information science (GIScience) activities in the country during the previous four years. The 2019 report has two parts: a single peer-reviewed Cartography and Geographic Information Science (CaGIS) article that explores the state and prospect of cartographic research, which is the first article in this issue, and an online report (at https://icaci.org/national-reports/) that provides detailed information from contributors across all sectors.

In the past, the US National Report has consisted of a full issue of CaGIS and its predecessors (most recently, Bevington-Attardi & Rice, 2015). The CaGIS article that follows this introduction reflects on the accomplishments and shortfalls of the past and contemplates the possibilities and challenges for the future. The authors address five overarching thematic topics (information visualization, cartographic data, spatial analysis and applications, methods and models, and GIScience) that were determined analytically through a content analysis of the titles of peer-reviewed articles in five cartographic and GIScience journals over the past four years.

While cartographic research paints an important part of the nation’s cartographic and GIScience activities, the online report completes the picture with details about the achievements and activities of organizations and institutions; methods for the development, management, and dissemination of cartographic data and products; the design and development of software, web, mobile, and other apps; applications of cartographic and GIS techniques within domain areas; novel cartographic methods and technologies; emerging technologies in mapping; and unique interdisciplinary activities in cartography and GIScience.

Notably, one of the nation’s primary cartographic activities in the last four years was hosting the 28th International Cartographic Conference (ICC) in July 2017 in Washington, DC. The ICC had only been held in the US once before, in College Park, Maryland, in 1978. By the numbers, the 2017 ICC had over 900 total registrants; 668 oral, poster presentations, and panel presentations which were organized by the 40 conference themes which resulted in three peer-reviewed publications and the conference proceedings; and 12 technical workshops with 271 participants. The associated 2017 International Cartographic Exhibition showcased 479 items from 36 national and affiliate members of the ICA, and the Barbara Petchenik Children’s Map Drawing Competition had 193 drawings for 34 countries.

Although a departure from the format of previous national reports, I believe the combination of the following CaGIS article and the online report provide a comprehensive and detailed look at the state of cartographic activities in the US in the last four years.