Alec had never been to Belgium, so it came as some surprise when he found himself at the altar of a small church in Flanders, reciting wedding vows in Flemish. It was the start of a long relationship with this unassuming and much maligned little country. He vowed to put worldwide opinion to the test: just how boring can Belgium be?

This new Handbook unites cartographic theory and praxis with the principles of cartographic design and their application. It offers a critical appraisal of the current state of the art, science, and technology of map-making in a convenient and well-illustrated guide that will appeal to an international and multi-disciplinary audience. No single-volume work in the field is comparable in terms of its accessibility, currency, and scope. The Routledge Handbook of Mapping and Cartography draws on the wealth of new scholarship and practice in this emerging field, from the latest conceptual developments in mapping and advances in map-making technology to reflections on the role of maps in society. It brings together 43 engaging chapters on a diverse range of topics, including the history of cartography, map use and user issues, cartographic design, remote sensing, volunteered geographic information (VGI), and map art. The title’s expert contributions are drawn from an international base of influential academics and leading practitioners, with a view to informing theoretical development and best practice. This new volume will provide the reader with an exceptionally wide-ranging introduction to mapping and cartography and aim to inspire further engagement within this dynamic and exciting field. The Routledge Handbook of Mapping and Cartography offers a unique reference point that will be of great interest and practical use to all map-makers and students of geographic information science, geography, cultural studies, and a range of related disciplines.

Packed with travel information, including listings, deals, and insider tips: CANDID LISTINGS of hundreds of places to eat, sleep, drink, and feel like a local. RELIABLE MAPS to get you around cities, towns, and the countryside. CHEAP, DELICIOUS EATS from Spanish paella to Polish pierogi. VOLUNTEER and work opportunities from Reykjavík to Istanbul. INSIDER TIPS on the best gay and straight nightlife, traveling cheap, and finding vegetarian food. Advice on BIKING, CLIMBING, and HIKING from the Alps to the Tatras. A useful PHRASEBOOK to help you say "I'm lost" in fifteen different languages.

Packed with travel information, including listings, deals, and insider tips: CANDID LISTINGS of hundreds of places to eat, sleep, drink, and feel like a local. RELIABLE MAPS to get you around cities, towns, and the countryside. CHEAP, DELICIOUS EATS from Spanish paella to Norwegian pickled herring. VOLUNTEER and work opportunities throughout Europe. INSIDER TIPS on the best straight and gay nightlife, traveling cheap, and finding vegetarian food. Advice on HIKING, BIKING, AND CLIMBING from the Pyrenees to the Dolomites. A useful PHRASEBOOK to help you say "I'm lost" in fifteen different languages.

Alec had never been to Belgium, so it came as some surprise when he found himself at the altar of a small church in Flanders, reciting wedding vows in Flemish. It was the start of a long relationship with this unassuming and much maligned little country. He vowed to put worldwide opinion to the test: just how boring can Belgium be?

Winner of the Carl Sandburg Award for nonfiction.