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.

At the heart of the Geospatial world in the UK

Opportunities for networking, education, information and support
Engage and learn from leading industry experts
Access our GeoViz Resource Centre
Contribute to our active Social Media
Liaise with partners across the geospatial community in the UK and beyond

JOIN BCS

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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.

Events

Annual Conference Connecting members with industry specialists to discuss latest developments.

Teatime Talk series

Regular online talks throughout the year on a variety of topics

Other BCS events

Other events through the year

Industry events run with

our partners across the community

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

Annual Awards

Annual awards programme to celebrate the best in mapping and data visualisation from across the globe.

Entries for 2026 Now Open

GeoViz Programme

A geospatial data visualisation initiative to support those creating maps in their everyday lives. Including an online toolkit and Resource Centre.

Restless Earth Programme

Workshops for schools to encourage greater awareness of the power of maps in managing disaster scenarios.

Industry Partnerships

Links to other organisations that work across the Geospatial world including being the UK's representative at the International Cartographic Association.

Education and Research

Links with the UK academic sector to stimulate research and development into the geospatial data visualisation of the future.

Networking and Advice

Access our GeoViz Resource Centre, join the BCS Forum for advice and support, or engage with our active Social Media to find out more about the things that interest you.