Deep map

An emerging practical method of intensive topographical exploration, popularised by author William Least Heat-Moon with his book PrairyErth: A Deep Map. (1991).

A 'deep map' most often takes the form of engaged documentary writing of literary quality; although it can equally well be done in long-form on radio and does not preclude the combination of writing with photography and illustration. Its subject is a particular place, usually quite small and limited, and usually rural.

Some call the approach 'vertical travel writing', while others compare it to the eclectic approaches of 18th & early 19th century antiquarian topographers or to the psychogeographic excusions of the early Situationist International.

However, a deep map goes beyond simple landscape/history-based topographical writing - to include and interweave autobiography, archeology, stories, memories, folklore, traces, reportage, weathers, interviews, natural history, science & intutition. In its best form, the resulting work arrives at a subtle, multilayered and 'deep' map of a small area of the earth.

In North America it is a method now often claimed by those interested in bioregionalism. The best known U.S. examples are Wallace Stegner's Wolf Willow (1962) and William Least Heat-Moon's PrairyErth (1991).

In Britain is is used by those who deploy the terms 'sense of place' and 'local distinctiveness'. BBC Radio 4 has recently undertaken several several series of radio documentaries that are deep maps. These are inspired by the 'sense of place' work of the Common Ground organisation, and are a natural progression from Radio 4's long-running 'Down Your Way' series.