History | BCS

Origins of the BCS

A national charity founded in 1963 to promote understanding and awareness of mapping

The origins of the British Cartographic Society

Founded in 1963, the British Cartographic Society (BCS) is a charity registered in England and Wales (No.240034) that offers a unique forum for exchanging ideas and sharing knowledge on all aspects of maps and mapmaking.

Our publications and events showcase the latest developments in mapping, while initiatives like GeoViz and Restless Earth encourage greater awareness of the importance of good cartography to new generations of mapmakers. Our awards recognise excellence in cartographic design and research.

Over the decades, the British Cartographic Society has seen great changes and developments in the cartographic industry.

Following the Second World War, there was a need for quality mapping in order to support the world’s recovery. A number of learned societies specialising in cartography were established. National geographical societies tended to serve these needs, but in the United Kingdom it became clear that this growing and complex technical subject required a society that could ‘devote itself to promoting the development of cartography’.

September 1962: at an informal cartographic symposium in Edinburgh, John Keates undertook to garner support for such a society.
1963: at a second informal gathering at the University of Leicester organised by Professor Norman Pye, options were discussed.
28 September 1963: at a formal meeting, chaired by Brigadier D.E.O. Thackwell (then Vice President of the ICA), the formation of the Cartographic Society was proposed. With further contributions from John Keates and L. Hatch, and A.G. Williams from the Institution of Professional Civil Servants, the aims of the new Society were agreed.

A Council of 22 members was elected. Brigadier Thackwell was the first president. At the inaugural meeting, Executive, Editorial and Programme Committees were formed.

Over the next 60-plus years, the Society grew and developed, successfully establishing its credibility on a national and international stage. It has adapted to the emergence of GIS, the internet and data visualisation and continues to support change to keep the UK cartographic community at the forefront of emerging technologies.

A more in-depth look at the Society’s history was published in the 50th Anniversary Book which can be dowloaded as a PDF from the GeoViz Resource Centre.