Mark Monmonier

Mark Stephen Monmonier (born February 2, 1943) is a Distinguished Professor of Geography and the Environment at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs of Syracuse University. He specializes in toponymy, geography, and geographic information systems.

Quotes

• I have made no secret that I am stepping down principally because of a strong disagreement with those now in control of ACSM over the importance to the profession of federal personnel qualifications standards which recognize the value of a comprehensive cartographic education to those accepting the title and responsibilities of Cartographer. But I have few regrets for having worked with The American Cartographer since 1977....
  • From Monmonier's 1985 publication in Volume 12, issue 1 in The American Cartographer's "Communications from Readers", Former Editor Protests Censorship
  • This text was initially intended to be in an Editorial Report by Monmonier but was altered by the ACSM Headquarters for being "inappropriate."

• Publication of my commentary in the Communications from Readers section might be one way for The American Cartographer to affirm a commitment to openness, and to demonstrate once again that efforts to stifle dissenting opinion tend to backfire.
  • From Monmonier's 1985 publication in Volume 12, issue 1 in The American Cartographer's "Communications from Readers", Former Editor Protests Censorship
  • This text refers to a previous publication by Monmonier being altered by the ACSM Headquarters for being "inappropriate."

• Whenever a map of count data makes sense, perhaps to place a map of rates in perspective, graphic theory condemns using a choropleth map because its ink (or toner) metaphor is misleading.
  • From Monmonier's 2005 paper Lying with Maps

• Not only is it easy to lie with maps, it is essential. To portray meaningful relationships for a complex, three-dimensional world on a flat sheet of paper or screen, a map must distort reality.
  • From the 2018 3rd edition of Monmonier's book How to Lie With Maps.

• No one can use maps or make maps safely and effectively without understanding map scales, map projections, and map symbols.
  • From the 2018 3rd edition of Monmonier's book How to Lie With Maps.