In this contribution, we first focus on maps as landmarks of cartographic innovation in the context of societal and technical developments in history. This historical analysis stimulated us to offer a new definition for the map that reflects our intention to provide a succinct and flexible, yet inclusive and sustainable definition of our discipline for years to come. We then turn to cartography itself, by analyzing the sustainability of past and current disciplinary definitions, as proposed by its leading professional body, the International Cartographic Association (ICA). In the fourth section, we then go on to analyze the structure and activities of the ICA over the recent past, with the aim to further understand the professional development of the cartographic discipline. Finally, we also consider how the geography of the ICA, that is, the geographic origins of the leading members of the organization, including the executive board members and the chairs of ICA Commissions and Working Groups, mi...
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