Google Earth is an illusion: how I am using art to explore the problematic nature of western maps and the myth of 'terra nullius'

By Jahkarli Romanis, PhD Candidate, Monash University

Within western society, maps are often perceived as scientific, neutral and objective tools. Map making has always been shaped by our social and cultural relationships to the land. In the last 20 years, approaches to map creation have become much more reliant on photographic and digital technologies, including Google Earth.

However, these technologies carry a rarely acknowledged subjective and colonial agenda towards representing place.

My artistic exploration of western maps began during my honours…

Read complete article

~	How can we measure the size of Australia’s illegal cannabis market – and the billions in taxes that might flow from legalising it?

~	High Court dismisses key challenge to indefinite immigration detention. What does it mean?

~	A brief history of found footage video art – and where Macklemore’s Hind’s Hall fits in

~	Sky-high vanity: constructing the world’s tallest buildings creates high emissions

~	Germany: British Palestinian Doctor Denied Schengen Entry

~	The Global Coalition for Language Rights: A space for language justice

~	Floods and flooding ‘will be part of our lives,’ says Brazilian architect and urbanist

~	Nepal: Systemic descent-based discrimination against Dalits needs urgent action – NEW REPORT

~	Sleep wrinkles are real. Here’s how they leave their mark

~	Wearable devices can now harvest our brain data. Australia needs urgent privacy reforms