Who we are / Info
The International Cartographic Association (ICA) is an esteemed organization that brings together cartographers, geospatial scientists, and mapping enthusiasts from around the world. With its rich history spanning several decades, the ICA has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and education within the realm of cartography.
The ICA’s mission is to promote the disciplines of cartography and geospatial information science, enhance the understanding and appreciation of maps, and advocate for the value of accurate and visually appealing cartographic representations. By fostering international collaboration, the ICA aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, support professional development, and inspire innovation in cartographic practices.
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To contribute to the understanding and solution of world problems through the use of Cartography and GI science in decision-making processes.
To foster the national and international use of geospatially referenced environmental, economic and social information.
To encourage introduction of a focused geospatial basis for national and international statistical information.
To provide global fora for discussion of Cartography and GI science.
To participate in meetings, dissemination and publication in concert with sister societies and international organizations including the UN, sharing its vision with these organisations.
To facilitate the transfer of new Cartographic and GI knowledge between and within nations, especially to developing nations, and to undertake Capacity Building, notably for communities in need.
To perform or to promote multi-national Cartographic and GI research, including collaborative and trans-disciplinary research, in order to solve scientific and applied problems.
To maintain a contemporary Research Agenda which is recognized as a leading and authoritative document addressing humankind.
To enhance education in Cartography and GI science in the broadest sense through publications, seminars, conferences, competitions and exhibitions.
To develop and promote the use of professional and technical standards, guidelines and applications of theory in Cartography and GI science.
To demonstrate the utility of Cartography and GI science to all professions.
To offer its expertise and knowledge of technical developments to other organisations e.g. governments, statistical bodies, GI management organisations etc.
To support map-related research in specific topics such as child education, history, theory, and assistance for the visually-impaired.
To maintain a repository of knowledge disseminated through the work of Commissions and Working Groups, Conferences, Workshops, publications and the Research Agenda.
