1. Support the spread of “good practice” in generating, managing, analysing and communicating spatial information Preparation of the Map Legend The key to good mapping By: Nigel Crawhall Unit: M10U02

2. It is all about the legend A map is silent without its legend. A legend is the foundation of intercultural dialogue in participatory mapping. The P3DM technique will surface “tacit” knowledge about cultural-natural landscapes – but the legend makes this available to others.

3. Eliciting legend items Before you map, start building the legend with local knowledge holders and culture bearers. Communities are diverse; those working on the legend need to represent that diversity. Local knowledge may be complex, tacit and/or ambiguous.

4. Tacit knowledge Tacit knowledge refers to things that local people know about the landscape, ecosystem, biodiversity or cultural usage but about which they do not regularly talk. People may know the landscape by doing or observing; while mapping they may speak about this for the first time. The facilitator can bring tacit knowledge to the surface by asking good questions and listening carefully.

5. Complexity One word may hide complex information about the map or ecosystem. Good interview techniques help elicit what one complex term means; do not just translate from one language to another. For complex information, a matrix or other type of documentation can help capture the full meaning behind the legend items.

6. Reduce ambiguity Ambiguity means that a word has more than one meaning – this may be confusing when mapping. Are you clear what the legend item means? See examples of ambiguities in the handout. Good interview techniques will reduce ambiguity and save you time later.

7. Biocultural diversity To have a good mapping process, include diverse knowledge holders and culture bearers: –women, midwives, medicine specialists –elders, initiates, youth, hunters, trackers –religious leaders and practitioners –shaman, diviners and healers –herders, bee-keepers, fishing people

8. Legend making All legend items need to be sorted into: –areas –lines –points –toponyms

9. Cultural sensitivity Some information should not go on a map: –sensitive information about endangered species –sacred sites or taboo areas –valuable resources

10. Cultural sensitivity Colours and social norms vary among communities. Choose appropriate colours and codes. Respect social rules and norms while encouraging diverse participation.