The ICA Commission on Education and Training is organizing an International Workshop on Cartographic Theory and Education in the AI Era beween October 16-18, 2026, at Beijng, China.

Education is a core activity in every civilization. Its content and pedagogies have been evolving in tandem with the progression of human society. Cartographic education is no exception. The definitions of fundamental cartographic concepts together with the cartographic body of knowledge have been transforming alongside technological progress and shifting social demands for map and geospatial data.

Maps have played a unique role recognized as a catalyst in form of geospatial data and geographic information systems. These empower cartographic education to continuously innovate in both contents and pedagogical approaches. This is particularly evident in the disruptions brought about by big data and generative Artificial Intelligence in recent years. The rapid iterative upgrading of emerging AI tools outpaces the ability of learners, educators, and policymakers to adapt. Consequently, teaching and learning of cartography must explore ways to embrace new opportunities with consideration of the young generations’ growing digital capabilities.

Yet, cartographic courses are underemphasized while new technological modules are increasingly integrated into curricula of cartographic and geospatial information related higher education programs. The AI era offers everyone opportunities to develop cartographic capacity and mapping skills in fragmented ways. Therefore, cartographic education should establish a core curriculum to underpin the science of Cartography in the context of higher education programs and adult life-long education in the AI era. This will help higher professional education to build a core cartographic capacity and extend spatial learning and thinking abilities to the general public.

This workshop invites cartography and GIS experts and educators to share their insights and best practices in education in three key areas:

• Embedding critical thinking in contemporary cartographic theory and education. Critical cartographic education emphasizes the understanding of maps not only as technical products but as socially constructed representations that carry power, values, and potential bias. It encourages students to question how spatial data is produced, which possible perspectives can be included or excluded, and how mapping practices influence decision-making and society. By integrating critical thinking, ethical reflection, and awareness of cultural and political contexts, this approach prepares future cartographers to design maps responsibly, interpret geospatial information with nuance, and engage thoughtfully with the social implications of their work.
• (Re)Development of a core cartographic curriculum to advance cartographic education worldwide. To address the evolving challenges to and engage opportunities for cartographic education, a coordinated global effort is needed to establish a core curriculum by defining the basic capabilities of future cartographers. The curriculum shall articulate both core competencies and emerging skills of cartographers. Modules on basic cartographic theories and essential design knowledge shall be strengthened systematically. Transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and geospatial big data analysis shall be elaborated with interdisciplinary applications. The curriculum can serve as an official reference for academic programs of cartography and other geo-related educational programs across regions.
• Integration of co-existence and co-evolution of AI in cartographic education. While teaching and learning in a formal teaching environment remain indispensable, it is essential to seamlessly adopt AI-based pedagogical approaches. In this context learners and educators can collaborate effectively with lectures, maps, geospatial datasets, case studies, leveraging pre-trained AI tools. Spatial learning, thinking and reasoning capabilities of learners can be strengthened in innovative ways. Novel assessment methods shall reflect and facilitate each individual learner’s evolving capabilities of cartographic and geospatial information knowledge.

More Information Coming Soon.

Please register your interest of presentation and participation by sending an email to the organizers：

Anthony Robinson, arobinson@psu.edu

Tao Wang, wangt@cnu.edu.cn

Terje Midtbø, terje.midtbo@ntnu.no