A Community of Geospatial Professionals and Map Enthusiasts
The British Cartographic Society, founded in 1963, embraces everyone involved in geospatial data and maps with a focus on data visualisation and the power of great cartography.
Members come from national mapping agencies, local and central government, GIS specialisms, publishers, freelance cartographers, researchers and those who just love maps.
Announcing
British Cartographic Society 2026 Annual Conference
at
Registers of Scotland, Meadowbank House, London Road, Edinburgh
Date: Tuesday 8th - Wednesday 9th September 2026
Venues: Registers of Scotland and National Library of Scotland (MCG), with a visit to National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP)
At the heart of the Geospatial world in the UK
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Opportunities for networking, education, information and support
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Engage and learn from leading industry experts
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Access our GeoViz Resource Centre
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Contribute to our active Social Media
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Liaise with partners across the geospatial community in the UK and beyond
![Win one of 5 FREE student tickets to the Annual Conference!
Hey Students 👋
We are giving away 5 FREE tickets to the Annual Conference!
Our Annual Conference returns for 2026 on the 8th and 9th of September for an inspiring two days of cartography, innovation, and insight. Bringing together professionals from across the field, the conference offers engaging talks, networking opportunities, and the latest developments shaping the future of mapping.
Event Details:
📍 Location: Registers of Scotland, Edinburgh
📅 Date: Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th September 2026
🔗 More Info: www.cartography.org.uk/annual-conference
How to Apply:
To be considered for a free ticket, please answer the following question:
How could cartography or geospatial help address a real-world challenge in Scotland? (e.g. environment, economy, or education)
Please send your responses to harry.searles@cartography.org.uk with the subject "AC application: [your name]" by the 13th July
We will notify you if you are successful by the 20th July
T&C's:
• Entrants must be available for the event dates and plan to attend
• Applications after the closing date will not be considered
• Tickets are non-transferable
• Selection will be made at the discretion of the BCS team based on the quality of responses
• If you have already purchased a ticket, and then proceed to win another through this competition, you will be eligible for a refund on your purchased one. In this case, please state that you already have a ticket in your application
We look forward to receiving your application and hope to see you there!
Best regards,
The BCS Team](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/731808104_18429027094192677_976101718428860640_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=O0bmIb0RuYwQ7kNvwFq_y4v&_nc_oc=AdrkbNefDgZdHsIvwJvRgv-HcRpopeDeRDlupg0znjG4dSb2tS4o9o4G2zcgQ4wdCus&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=QXHIwG6GG33IIpnXDuclDg&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHpmuLOAFJ6NI65XJb61gsaHjE2FLs3AgZMs4FKC8LP2EyP31SwHYyT12O_HYmJd8UgQlDu7T7O&oh=00_AQCAAm4t_ZTG9RHEl1knnb0VHtweq6U_OV_CnKiSJBb2KA&oe=6A582EF2)
The power of community
"Being involved with the BCS has opened countless doors, introduced me to inspiring people, and played a key role in shaping my career path." Charlie Hewitt, Digital Ecologist, Map Impact
”I am so grateful that I was introduced to The BCS whilst at University - 25 years later and their help and support enabled me to reach goals I didn't know were possible.” Clare Seldon, Freelance Cartographer
"The BCS is the bedrock of the mapping community in the UK. Membership of the Society has allowed us to make many wonderful business connections in the sector." Steve Burry, Managing Director, Dennis Maps Ltd
What we offer
Members have access to publications, events, professional development, education programmes and networking opportunities.
Publications
Cartographic Journal
A world leading academic journal focused on the latest developments in mapping and data visualisation.
Maplines
Our regular magazine reporting on recent events and the latest developments.
Cartography. An Introduction
The widely used textbook on the principles behind making better maps.
Special Interest Groups
Map Curators' Group
For those with a specialist interest in map libraries, archives and cataloguing, with their own regular newsletter -Cartographiti
Historic Military Mapping
A group for those with an interest in all form of maps and charts created for military use, with a regular newsletter - Maps and Surveys
