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
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
