entry 8 "maps and collapsing information"

A particular discipline of interest in design to me is maps. Since I was a kid i have thoroughly enjoyed looking at them, and always have been intrigued by them. World maps and globes  are my favorite, and the fantasy of different locations is what is so fascinating about them.
The essential components of all maps, diagrams, schematics and others rely on collapsing space. Collapsing space is a very fundamental human activity after all, because which we try to simplify the natural world through artificial means. Maps though, like many narratives, are subject to perspective, one great example is Guy Debord's "The Naked City" in which the locations on the map of Paris  were entirely subject to his own perspective,  understanding, experience and most importantly, purpose. Nevertheless it is a map which minimizes an area for facilitating comprehension.
On a larger scale,  older maps can reveal much information about the history of a location which exemplifies the capacity of visual literacy. The second map shown is of Mexico from 1847 entitled "Mapa de los Estados Unidos de Méjico", which represent the boundaries of Méjico, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Misisipi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Tejas. The information given from maps like this, and maps used today are often unrecognized for their ability to simplify complex spaces. I think that maps relationship to design is important because it quite literally defines what a designers purpose is (utilizing information through simplification). And maybe my love for maps could substantiate my own understanding and purposes as a designer