Cartography for global sustainable development agendas: informing public policies with geospatial information and knowledge for people, places and planet*

Abstract

Throughout history, maps have been used to explore, exert control over territories, influence decision-making and ambitions. Since the 1970s, the global agendas have progressively incorporated the critical role of science and data for public policies. Presently, geospatial data and cartography enable the ability to monitor, analyze and orient public policies, and to support evidence-based decisions to address current challenges such as climate change, gender equality, biodiversity loss, social inequalities, economic growth, urbanization, resilience, global health, or environmental protection. Despite opportunities and direct benefits to public policy, geospatial information and mapping remain too often unavailable or unused by decision-makers. Geospatial information and cartography are critical for delivering data, transforming it into knowledge. They are a powerful guide for decision-making and public policy. Maps can usher decision-making both locally and globally by integrating and transforming data as an enabler for quantifying, monitoring, visualizing, and evaluating whether the impact of public policies has the intended effects. The democratization and reinforcement of geospatial information through the development of national strategies are key to developing capacities and harnessing the transformative power of geospatial knowledge and cartography for national priorities and sustainable development, ultimately aiming to transform our world for the better.