Posthuman Cartography? Rethinking Artificial Intelligence, Cartographic Practices, and Reflexivity

Artificial intelligence (AI) is catalyzing growing disruptions in contemporary cartography and beyond. Unlike previous mapping technologies, the current wave of AI enables producing maps without explicit programmed rules, which extends and, in some cases, surpasses human intelligence. This transformative capacity has the potential to reshape not only the practices of map-making but also the power structures of the actors involved. In this light, we propose posthuman cartography as a potential perspective to examine the emerging trend in cartography characterized by a codependency between human and machine intelligences. This theoretical perspective challenges traditional human-centric approaches, proposing instead to view mapping as a network of relations that include both human and nonhuman actors. It also highlights the importance of recognizing AI as significant actors in mapping praxes, as well as the need to acknowledge the shifting power structures influenced by AI. We further advocate for a reflexive approach that tackles the ethical challenges posed by AI and other technological disruptions in contemporary cartography.