S B E L 4 4 7 6 To p i c a l S t u d y 2 0 1 6 / 2 0 1 7 ( S E M 1 )

Research methodology: Cultural mapping

Bachelor Degree project report

Prepared by: LeeYL

Research method : Cultural Mapping
What is cultural mapping?
• Cultural mapping is a systematic approach to identifying, recording, classifying and
analysing a community’s cultural resources or cultural assets that traced the
historical, economic, social, geographical significance of a site (Pillai, 2013 and
Rashid, 2015).
• It has been recognized by UNESCO as a crucial tool and technique in preserving the
world's intangible and tangible cultural assets (cited from UNESCO Bangkok, n.d.).

The uses of cultural mapping? Select what to map ?

• Historical assessment
• Exploring cultural identity
• Community resource management
• Cultural planning
• Planning for sustainable development
Themes of cultural mapping
• Anthropological, archaeological,
genealogical, linguistic, sociological,
topographic, musicological,
botanical and etc.
• Mapping assets (location and distribution
of Tangible & intangible cultural item).
• Mapping resources (data based of persons,
organisation, businesses, institutions and
etc.)
• Mapping concepts (intangible elements
such as: identity, values, beliefs &
philosophy)
• Mapping systems (social, economic and
environmental dimension of an inhabited
site / ecological system)
Cultural mapping procedure
Tangible elements
• Man-made elements
• Natural environments
1 Framing of mapping exercise •
•
Documents and records
Products
• Functional Item
• People
Intangible elements
• Histories/ memories
• Identities
• Knowledge
• Expressions/ practices
2 Process of Mapping • Aesthetics
• Human organisation
• Processes and procedures
• Attitudes and behaviors
• Values
• Belief/ philosophies

3 Evaluation
Figure 1.1 : Cultural mapping procedures
(Pillai, 2013)
Assessment
• To determine the significant of a site,
community and cultural vitality.
• Analysis of people, places, and environments.
1.) Framing a cultural mapping exercise

Framing of mapping exercise  Site description/ brief

 Rationale for mapping?
 Who will need to use the
data ?
 How will the data be
Obtain mapping brief used?
 When will the data be
used?

 Checklist: site history,

Inspect & profile the site land use, built
environment and etc.

 The community,
Engage with stakeholders manager/ planner of the
site; users of the site

Establish goal & objectives  The goal and outputs

Determine scale & Determine Approach, Determine data Determine scale &
scope of mapping tools & techniques management & partners timeframe, cost & output
Figure 1.2 : Framing exercise (Pillai, 2013)
2.) Process of mapping

Process of mapping

 Data recording: collect and visualise

data (the form of database,
Data recording pictorial, graphic, audio, video, or
statistic.

 Layering approach
a) (Integrating /layering of multi-
information such as maps, images, audio
recordings, 3D models, maps, GIS map
Data Synthesis etc.

 System approach
Figure 1.3 : Steps in process of mapping (Pillai, 2013). a) Not visible (procedure, method and
process)
b) Investigate historical/ social/ spiritual/
phenomenon.
3.) Evaluation

Evaluation of this site

Assess cultural character & SWOT analysis & recommendation

significance for planning strategies

• Historical value SWOT Analysis

• Scientific value • S- Assessing internal strength
• Economic value • W- Assessing internal
• Social value weakness
• Spiritual value • O- Assessing internal/external
• Aesthetic value opportunities
• T- Assessing internal/external
threats.

Figure 1.4 : Steps in Evaluation of the site (Pillai, 2013)

Example 1: Mapping historical significance of the site
Recording historical community Recording history of land use
Table 1.1: Sample directory of trade documents

Fig 1.5: Kelly map showing the market site

(source:www.visiomsofpenang.com.my/)
Example 1: Mapping historical significance of the site

Recording
historical
documents

Fig 1.6: Historical timeline showing land use of market site.

Fig 1.7: Types and locations of Fig 1.8: Historical building types and style.
historical buildings.
 Example 1: Mapping historical significance of the site
Recording historical buildings: core market buildings & shop houses

Old shophouses
Fig 1.9: Layout of core market building
 Example 1: Mapping historical significance of the site
Synthesis data : layering of communities, land use and buildings

Fig 1.10: Map of Early Migration to George town

Table 1.2: Layering approach to show connectivity between migration history
timeline and architectural timeline
Example 02:Mapping commercial social and religious significance of the site

Recording
use of the site for
Commercial
activities

Compilation of
memories
recollected by the
community and site
survey

Fig 1.11: Site plan showing commercial activities on street, in Shophouses

and inside the market building.
 Example 02: cultural mapping

Recording
use of the site for Commercial
activities

Fig 1.12: Layout of the core market building and Photograph: illustrate stall market &
extensions
trading activities
 Example 02: cultural mapping
Observation & hand drawing Street and commercial activities

Data recorded
via observation and
photography
 Recording
Use of the site for
social activities

Fig 1.12: Social Meeting spaces

 Recording
Use of Building and street for
religious Activities

Fig 1.13: Hungry Ghost Festival

Synthesis
data:
Connecting commercial,
social & religious space

Fig 1.14: Layering approach to reveal connectivity of space and use at Market site
 Example 03: Mapping cultural and economic significance

Recording the food and beverage business

Fig 1.15: Location of markets in relations to restaurant and coffee Fig 1.16: Location of markets in relations to street hawkers
shops.
Example 03: Mapping cultural and economic significance

Fig 1.15: Value-added services provided by traditional markets

Fig 1.16: System approach to reveal connectivity of sample market

product to culinary identity of place.
Example 03: SWOT analysis & planning recommendations

Table 1.3: SWOT analysis for the social dimension Table 1.4: SWOT analysis for the economic dimension
References

Pillai, J. (2013). Cultural mapping: A guide to understanding place, community and continuity.
Strategic Information and Research Development Centre.

Rashid, M. S. A. (2015). Understanding the Past for a Sustainable Future: Cultural Mapping of Malay
Heritage. Procedia-Social and Behavioural Sciences, 170, 10-17.

UNESCO Bangkok (n.d.). Tool for Safeguarding culture. Retrieved on September 23, 2016,
http://www.unescobkk.org/culture/tools-and-resources/tools-for-safeguarding-
culture/culturalmapping/