Cultural mapping: intangible values and engaging with communities with some reference to Asia

The worldwide interest in everyday culture, ways of living and doing things which underpin our sense of place is palpable. We have come to appreciate that there is an abundant culture out there with a rich array of meaning and significance. Nowhere is this more abundant than in Asia where outstanding examples of the continuous living/nourishing tradition of history are part of an intricate and beautiful tapestry of everyday life: the ordinarily sacred (Sexson 1992).

This interest is reflected increasingly in our thinking on cultural heritage management. As with any concept or idea tools are needed to help us interpret, document, and present our cultural diversities. Cultural mapping has developed in response to this need. This paper reviews what is meant by ‘culture’ and cultural mapping to understand the notion of local distinctiveness and how mapping can be a tool to help local communities have their voice heard through their involvement in the mapping process.

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