Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

Taylor Jenks"
Larry Wolfe"
GLST Internship"
May 4, 2014"

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Cross-Cultural Boundary Demarcation Analysis"

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The act of boundary demarcation has been explained as the process of re-draw-

ing the parameters of a territory in order to distinguish that which will be within the parameters from that which will surround it; in the case of Belizes rural villages, the task
will be to delineate the fringe areas of these villages, and to accurately represent them
in cartographic form. As the literature indicates, challenges lay in both of these steps,
and the benefits and outcomes will depend on the intentions driving the process. While
many speak to the practices surrounding boundary demarcation, Cameron and
Meligrana have compiled the most extensive/well-rounded summary, suggestions from
all are outlined in the paper below. What is evident throughout the studied works, is the
role that community consultation plays; whether it is legislated, or recommended for cultural awareness, it appears as a common theme. What differs is the ultimate intention of
the demarcation and the criteria by which placement is based; In part these variations
can be attributed to the cultural group of concern. "
Actors!
"

The BC Local Government act makes note of three principal actors involved in

boundary demarcation in the local context, and they are: the Ministry (now called the
Ministry of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development), the Municipality, and the Regional District in the area of interest (2005). Each has their own role in the process,
quite clearly defined, in which the Municipality must initiate the extension proposal, the
Ministry must ensure all guidelines are met, and the Regional District is largely involved

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

to facilitate the process (Province of British Columbia, 2005). Ketut Deddy on the other
hand explains the process as they occur in international development settings, therefore
having actors such as non-governmental organizations also playing a part. (2006, p.97)
The actors involved are largely dependant on the goals of the process as mentioned below. For those attempting to lay claim to traditional territory for example, the actors will
also consist of indigenous groups and their representation whether it be elders, lawyers
or cultural councils (Wainwright and Bryan, 2009). "
Why Demarcate Areas or Map Their Boundaries?!
!

There are a number of reasons for undertaking the demarcation of a village as

the readings suggest, from government efficiency, to the recognition of cultural or indigenous groups, and each plays a large influence on the final cartographic product.
Regardless of the reason, it has been made evident throughout the readings that participatory community mapping exercises are valuable in collecting information necessary
to accurately represent these regions. Ketut Deddy suggests that the difference in
strategies used in the community mapping stage of the demarcation process contribute
to producing maps with varied intended uses (2006). His case study in East Kalimantan
for example resulted in the division of maps into three classes of intention: those for protected area management, those with research objectives, and those for recognizing indigenous rights (Deddy, 2006. p 98)."
"

In a municipality setting, Cameron and Meligrana underline the importance that

the re-organization of boundaries matches the specific objectives of local government

(2010, p. vii). They outline three categories of focus which will influence not only the

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

demarcation criteria that will be of significance, but also the ideal size of the communities:"
1. The goal of Local Democracy: which would emphasize participation and the social community, therefore preferring small communities. "
2. Goal of Efficiency and Financial Strength: Local governments role in larger
economies, means preference is for larger units of local government "
3. Goal of Providing social services: the size of the community will depend on those
services considered optimal."
Ideal Size"
"

These three intentions are largely relating to the size of the delineated communi-

ty, the ideal of which depends on the goals of the actors. Although Ebenezer Howard
May have suggested an ideal city size of 50,000 people, in the context of rural villages
and even municipalities the concept of what is an ideal size is largely contested.
Cameron and Meligrana say that in the case of south african communities, 3500 square
kilometres appeared ideal, while in Australia, there are different standards depending on
the category of land use, population and density (2010, pg 25 & 54). The battle between consolidation and fragmentation is also raised in Judge, Stoker, and Wolmans
book, Theories of Urban Politics. They suggest that four factors: government capacity,
taxation, servicing and democracy, are the large factors and standards to examine,
however complications only increase when one considers the stakeholder interests
(1995). Priorities of a business owner may not reflect those of a family, and consistency
may not be found between ethnic groups or socio-economic groups either. The influence that social or economic trends have, can also be felt in the tendency for govern-

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

ment to choose the size of their regions. For example a swing from the welfare state
and social services to a neoliberal, individualistic society will likely according to Judge
Stoker and Wolman, be reflected in a shift from consolidation to fragmentation (1995, p.
118). "
"

Cameron and Meligrana introduce the measurements of bounding which were

formulated by Robert Bennett in the late 1980s and appear to base the ideal size not
on a single standard, but by following a socio-graphic approach as explained below, and
observing the extent of the territory being used by a group of people (2010, p. 5). There
are three measures of size: Under-bounded, in which the activity space of citizens spills
over into surrounding regions for which they do not necessarily formally contribute;
over-bounded is when the size of the municipality-esque manifestation exceeds the
physical needs of the people; and truly bounded is what it appears is being striven for,
as it matches the needs and ideally balances efficiencies of amalgamation with benefits
of fragmentation as well (Cameron and Meligrana, 2010, p.5). One measure is that 50%
of all those who live work or shop in an area should be encompassed in the local council, recognizing that much of this activity comes from surrounding areas as well
(Cameron and Meligrana, 2010, p.49). "
"

This activity space, does still have challenges, as it requires determining a

threshold for how frequently these areas must be used to be considered worthy of being
included (Cameron and Meligrana, 2010, p.58). This activity space may also be challenged when mapping cultural groups as articles by, Deddy, Thom and others have
drawn attention to. Mapping the extent of a culture in order to claim the land as their
own can be yet another reason for demarcation, however in this case, it is a possibility

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

that this bounding method may be inappropriate. For instance, if mapping the territory
once used by a culture, it may no longer match the remaining citizens and can result in
over or even under bounding. In other cases, if claiming your portion of land, often the
outlook is that bigger is better, especially when it involves receiving a portion of natural
resource rights from that land, and the income that comes from it; therefore, groups may
purposefully over-extend their bounds (Cameron and Meligrana, 2010). The discrepancies between western demarcation bases and those of other cultures are further explored below. In short what results from the process is largely determined by the goals
set out before it begins."
Boundary Criteria!
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These goals listed above materialize into different criteria and standards for de-

marcation. To compare the criteria of each type of goal, Cameron and Meligrana distinguish between two approaches: Technical-Consolidation based on objective data, and
Subjective criteria, based largely on community opinion (2010, p.4). These are both reflected in the information gathered for the use of the demarcation as well. Technical motivators for demarcation as suggested are: Economies of Scale, which is the thought
that bigger the municipality or village will mean more efficient to run in regard to available services, larger tax base and less overlap in employees (Cameron and Meligrana,
2010, p.4). Socio-graphic/settlement patterns, attempt to map out the activity spaces in
a region, including things like where people commute to and from for work, their recreational habits, where they spend their money, and how socio-economic groups are spatially defined , etc (Cameron and Meligrana, 2010, p.5). The third technical approach is
Functional Boundaries, which consider the optimal area for a service to be provided,

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

whether they are less-encompassing functions and require smaller units of operation, or
require larger catchment areas to be feasibly run (Cameron and Meligrana, 2010, p.6).
Fourth is Financial Viability, which as Cameron and Meligrana remark, is the underscoring factor in any demarcation as it is imperative to have the tax base to supply necessary services (Cameron and Meligrana, 2010, p.7). The last technical approach is that
of Equity and Redistribution, which suggests that instead of having smaller jurisdictions,
some rich and some poor, demarcation occurs in order to consolidate into one, and redistribute social services and taxes within this (Cameron and Meligrana, 2010, p.7). "
"

The Province of BC at the same time lays out five basic technical criteria of their

own for demarcation (2005), p.13)"

Contiguity, or the area that is to be included in amalgamation must have been
that which lays directly next to the current municipal boundary, or in other words,
it cannot result in leap-frog development."
Legal Parcels should not be divided by the demarcation, unless by a pre-existing
right of way , etc."
The whole of local roads should be included in the new boundaries, rather than
dividing them down the centre line."
Indian Reserves will not be included unless requested by the band, (In the international context, this may vary as not all government have indigenous reserves set aside with the same level of autonomy.)"
Definition of blocks, or including logical blocks of parcels is suggested rather than
adding parcels to the municipality one by one."

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

"

The Provincial legislation also sets out guidelines for community consultation cri-

teria, where the residents of the current municipality must be included, with the ability to
vote on the extension should it be requested by 10% of the electors (2005, p.5). Consent from the residents of the proposed extension area is not required, however it is not
likely for the change to implemented if there is opposition. (Province of British Columbia,
2005, p.16)."
"

Minnesota Planning Departments Steps to Modifying Municipal Boundaries has

an extensive list of factors to consider in boundary adjustments, many of which resemble the technical factors of Cameron and Meligrana and the Province (Steps to Modifying Municipal boundaries, 2009). Not so much a list of explicit criteria, but patterns to
consider when making the decision."
Population and projected growth trends"
Quality of the land involved, including topography and the types of natural terrain"
The contiguity of boundaries between neighbouring communities"
the pattern of physical development/land use and if it falls in line with the annexing municipality"
The transportation network, and potential issues with extensions"
Inconsistencies between the land use controls in the annexing area and the
subject areas"
Existing government services being provided and whether they match or will
need major upgrading in the new areas"
Existing or potential environmental problems and whether they are solvable."

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

Plans for providing services to these new areas"

Once again the topic of fiscal impacts such as tax bases, costs etc"
Effect on the school districts and their catchment areas, something that is not
tackled in many other sources."
Adequacy of government to provide services to the area"
Whether needed services can be best provided through annexation/demarcation or via another process more effectively. "
Ability for the remainder of the annexed township to operate in its smaller
form and incorporate separately or annex to another municipality."
"

Many of these criteria match two of the three intentions set out by Cameron and

Meligrana at the beginning concerning financial viability, and servicing, although little is
said about democratic participation from Minnesota (Steps to Modifying Municipal
boundaries, 2009)(Cameron, R., & Meligrana, J., 2010. pp4-7). Specific criteria also
mirrored by Cameron and Meligrana are the considerations of commuting patterns, contiguous areas, cost savings, balanced property taxation, topographic/environmental
considerations, and administration and municipal viability (2010). They also suggested
the importance of matching provincial with municipal boundaries, as well as coordinating programs supplied by each level of government (2010, p.80). Recognizing traditional
communities is also a consideration, and combined with the others, Cameron and
Meligrana appear to take a strong socio-graphic approach as they look at the relationships and interdependence of people, communities, and economics, in multiple forms.
(2010, p.46)"

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

"

As many of these factors involve the ability to access services from all areas, the

matter of commuting patterns is raised by Cameron and Meligrana as one of the most
common attributes that defines a metro area (2010, p. x) In the indigenous studies explained by Brian Thom, mapping the territory of the Coast-Salish people was tackled in
a similar manner, focusing on the routes traveled, but rather than to and from work or
amenities, it was between locations of winter and summer months; their activity space
represented as paths rather than bounded territories (Thom, 2009, p.198). This distinction between definitive boundaries and communal spaces is one area of contention
when working with Indigenous as Thom speaks to (2009). "
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This activity space is incredibly important for the goal of territorial claims carried

out by indigenous groups, as their success rides on the ability to prove their culture
used the area throughout history. Specific criteria used to define these cultural spaces
has not been easy to come by in the research. Although there is much written on the
challenges in applying a western concept to an indigenous territory as well as suggestions in regard to the process, the specific criteria are few. Deddy uses the example of
the Adat (Indigenous customary laws) in Kalimantan; the only criteria for the creation of
their cultural maps and the recognition of the group are as follows: They require that the
Adat are still in a group and live in their own area, they still follow their Adat institutions,
their forest boundaries are clear and accepted by neighbours, there is a law framework
still practiced in regards to forests, and that the Adat still rely on the forest for subsistence, religion, and social activity (2006, p.92). Joel Wainwright and Joe Bryan state
that Community is defined by what is in the lines and what is outside, therefore determining the relationships between these people and places (2009, p.163). If set in the

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

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context of criteria mentioned above, it would suggest that there would be preference to
ensuring a form of social continuity between those areas being included and the same
for those being excluded, making the job of demarcation even more exhaustive."
Process!
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The process by which boundaries will be demarcated or mapped vary drastically

between parties of interest and the intentions at hand. From the Municipal boundary extension criteria article, the five steps follow a highly bureaucratic process: "
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First is the consideration by the municipality upon request or on its own accord, "

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as well as consulting the regional district and other local governments, service "

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providers, and agencies. Second they submit to the Ministry of Community, "

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Sport, and Cultural Development with a rationale, a map, results of consultations "

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and communication with residents, and any relevant background information. "

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Third is Consideration by the Ministry, confirming that basic criteria have been "

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met, consultation with ministry of transportation and prepare a report with advice "

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and reviews. Fourth is the statutory advertising at which time the municipality "

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undertakes the required advertising commitments, and providing council resolu"

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tion. Lastly, is Implementation where a draft letters patent is prepared and sent to

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minster and the cabinet. The focus here is on checking the boxes rather than the "

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human aspect of collecting opinions or community consultation (2005, pp.9-12). "

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The handbook to traditional use studies on the other hand focuses on considera-

tions to make when doing interviews and building relationships with people, rather than
how the paperwork will move up the chain (Honda-McNeil, J., Parsons, D., & Alberta

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

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Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 2003). Honda-McNeil, Parsons and the
Alberta region of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development suggest that the interaction with elders of communities is of utmost importance, and how they are approached
is critical in gaining respect (2003). The handbook also encourages interaction at the
pace of the elder rather than in a rushed sense, and the use of a questionnaire may
maintain consistency while a semi-structured interview will allow for more informal conversation (2003, p.27). If verbal communication is a challenge, the use of visual aids
such as photographs of assets around the community may help (2003, p.27) Mention of
conducting proper interactions such as this does not seem to appear in much White
legislation, instead focus is on the requirement to do so rather than the value gained
(Province of British Columbia: Ministry of Community Services, 2005). "
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They suggest that meeting in traditional use settings may help to trigger memo"

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ries and gather information, as a tool, this could be used when mapping any re"

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gion by taking citizens to areas that spark communal ideas or communal points "

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of interest. On the part of the researcher, keeping records such as voice/video "

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records can assist in capturing all the information and can be used in reference "

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so that focus can be on the interview itself, while GPS locations should be "

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recorded to match to the opinions stated (Honda-McNeil, J., Parsons, D., & Al"

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berta Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 2003)."

Consultation, Information and Ethics"

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The attention to elder relations and the formalities of conducting interviews that

Honda-McNeil, Parsons and the Alberta region of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development allude to, likely is in consideration of like Wainwright and Bryan mention, the

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

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Oral tradition of Maya, much like the indigenous of Canada, which makes information
gathering less about quantitative data from a sheet, and more about the relationships
being built and stories being transferred through generations (Wainwright, J. & Bryan, J.
2009). Wainwright and Bryan extend this notion to the final product, suggesting that the
map produced should require in itself, the reader to become acquainted with the indigenous peoples (2009, p. 170)."
"

In the interest of undertaking ethical research and consultation, Nick Derbert and

Jeremy Sugarman encourage researchers to consult the community even before and in
designing the research process (2005). Susan Tilley and Louise Gormley further analyze this practice of research in international settings, which is one of the three intentions that Deddy claims are behind community mapping, but Tilley and Gormley examine it within the context of gaining ethical approval to do so. The Tri-Council Policy
Statement is designed to safeguard against the mistreatment of research subjects as
well as researchers, but Tilley and Gormley emphasize the challenges that come with
creating a highly governed process and applying it to extremely diverse research subjects such as international cultural groups (2007). They too refer to the importance of
involving the research group in the design of the process, as well as to conceptualize
and conduct research with aboriginals as a partnership, consult members who have relevant expertise, and examine how their research may be shaped so that it creates benefit to the group (2007). This concept of Reciprocity is something Tilley and Gormley
stress, as it is necessary to attempt to benefit the community with your research, or provide them with the results as platform for future growth which they refer to as reciprocity in the form of recommendation (2007, p.375). However there are challenges,

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

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especially in international settings. Where one is required to gain consent for example,
the participants may not communicate in the same language, or perhaps may not have
the proficiency to read a consent letter (2007, p.374). As also mentioned outside of the
literature, the presentation of a consent form at times may appear too formal or even
mistrusting to a community member and may inhibit an open and honest set of answers. "
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There arise discrepancies in regard to anonymity as well, not only in international

settings, but heightened by the small village or communal setting (2007, pp.380-382).
When collecting and compiling qualitative and interpretive data especially, it is expected
by TCPS guidelines that the researcher remains objective, and thus attempts to keep
subjects anonymous so the readers can as well; however the ability to place a voice or
a persona to the data can allow for more thorough and perhaps true analysis. It is suggested by Tilley and Gormley that the choice should be given to the participants whether
they would remain anonymous or not, however in the study carried out in Northern Mexico, citizens, often parents suggested that one should stand by their thoughts rather
than cowardly state them (2007, p.15). However if respondents can be narrowed down
for example by identifying that it was a woman or they live in X area, and take X opinion
2 out of 3 choose to identify themselves, the third will be identified by process of elimination although she opted not to be (Tilley & Gormley, 2007, pp.379-381). It is not correct for us as Canadians under Canadian standards to enter a situation and tell them
one way is best, however Tilley and Gormley propose that there may be situations in
which risk can be identified by someone trained to do so rather than leaving choices
such as that to participants with subjective views (2007, p.379-381). "

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

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Derbert and Sugarman summarize these concerns as they offer four goals for

ethical consultation: First is Enhance protection by helping to identify potential risks that
research may pose, and minimizing them (2005, pp1124-1125). As part of pre-research
consultation it would be beneficial to gain insight into social risks that may not be evident to outsiders. "
"

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The second is Enhanced Benefits, as this already falls in line with re"

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search goals, the ability to consult prior to research provides opportunity to focus "

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on issues that need focusing in order to create a positive impact. Third is "

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Legitimacy, rather than acting on a communities behalf, especially as a foreigner,

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the ability to gain trust and support by providing an opportunity for input will "

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create a more effective process. Fourth and final ethical goal that Derbert and "

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Sugarman pose is Shared responsibility, suggesting that it not only creates a "

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vested interest on the part of the community who now have a role in the re""

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search, but it also creates accountability for the researchers who are gaining the "

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trust of these people. "

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There is a nod to the fact that these goals aren't without ambiguity, as the level to

which protection, benefits, legitimacy and responsibility are sought is not precise, but
they create opportunity for a participatory analysis of the situation before delving into
research where it is not wanted or beneficial. "
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They challenge the fine line that lays between following the TCPS guidelines to

such a tee that one runs the risk of misrepresenting populations, versus perhaps acting
unethically by Canadian research standards, yet is more acceptable to the subject cul-

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

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ture. What makes it even more difficult is the necessity to know these issues before
stepping into research as there is little opportunity to adjust methods part way through
once lessons are learned (Tilley & Gormley, 2007). This rigid system does pose hurdles
for those attempting to gather culturally sensitive, comprehensive, and representative
information. "
Photomapping "
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The process of Photomapping is to present Orthographic photos of a village or

community in front of citizens with transparent sheets overlaid to allow them to depict
what is important to them in their area (Muller & Wode, 2003). Daniel Muller and Bjorn
Wode formulated a manual on the process as a form of community consultation and information gathering in order to delineated cultural boundaries. Citizens draw on the
transparencies to make note of points of interest whether historical, economic, social
etc. or they may illustrate what certain parcels of land are, or should be used for in their
opinion (2003, p.3). The article does a great job at explaining the steps in the collection
and analysis process."
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Preparatory work: Like any exercise such as this, gathering socio-economic and

natural resource data ahead of time is suggested, then the facilitator will pick participants, provide a transparency and an Ortho-photo map and stationary (Muller & Wode,
2003, p.2). "
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The Meeting will involve a 1/2 to full day of participation with an explanation of

the techniques and purpose, and an orientation on the maps by pointing to significant
POIs, as well as land uses codes and definitions (Muller & Wode, 2003, p.3). "

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

"

16

The Data Processing then involves the digitization of the transparencies, entering

attribute data and the map design. (As a geography student this mapping stage will be
meticulous.) (Muller & Wode, 2003, pp.4-6)"
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The last stage is feedback to the stakeholders, as a process that materializes

into a tangible product, this step allows a final interaction with the community and presentation of the product that other consultation processes havent mentioned (Muller &
Wode, 2003, p.6). "
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The benefits of carrying out the process of photomapping are those of a commu-

nity-based focus; Muller and Wode claim the following:"

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Its a visual process which solves many issues in regard to communication "

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barriers; rapid identification of problems with community participation (more "

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minds); create a common understanding on spatial distribution and resource use;

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provide basis for joint decision making; mediate boundary conflicts; and generate

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land use information that can actually be approved for management purposes "

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because it is to scale. This process facilitates the ethical goals of consultation "

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that Dickert and Sugarman argue for (2005)."

Other Cross-Cultural Challenges"

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The challenges of utilizing these practices in cross-cultural settings can be plen-

ty; not only faced internationally, but with varying domestic cultures as well. Brian Thom
introduces the situation in Coast Salish environments, where the fundamentals of the
boundary demarcation, the concept of territory, diverge from those accepted in western practices (2009). To understand the local languages concept of boundaries Thom
argues, is part of understanding the political, ideological and spatial relationships to the

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

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land and the people who dwell within it; this being the pinnacle of understanding where
and why territorial boundaries exist (2009). Where many North Americans may conceptualize territory as bounded land or property, to the Coast Salish Thom considers
boundaries to be like signposts, indicating you're interacting with another group rather
than fences prohibiting it (Thom, 2009, p.181). For a culture based on kinship, this distinction is vital as sharing and reciprocity vary from the individualistic mentality of property rights. Thom comments that cultures have distinct ways of relating to, dwelling in,
and owning the land; where one may purchase rights and gain title, others may communally use the land and stake a claim to it (2009, p.181). Wainwright and Bryan suggest that most of the farmers in southern Belize dont in fact have title to the land they
work (2009, p.158). In an effort to protect their histories and their lands, groups are undergoing cultural mapping processes through state oversight (Wainwright & Bryan,
2009). Often under pressure from encroaching development and a desire to benefit
economically, indigenous territories are being threatened and feel the need to define
what is theirs. As we attempt to map these boundaries, we are threatening to change
the relationship that these groups have with the land around them as they are placed
under western legal structures. "
"

Wainwright and Bryan allege that in each attempt for indigenous autonomy, it in

fact deepens the states involvement in the life of the community and maintains that
power structure (2009, p.169). It is a moral victory for the community, yet they receive
no real power. This is one of three criticisms that the two authors expose, the second is
that of differential empowerment, in which not everyone can be equally involved or represented in the map-making process, especially when much of the territory at hand is in

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

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relation to the mens; jobs of hunting/fishing, etc. (Wainwright & Bryan, 2009, p.162).
The third is lines on the land, by drawing lines around a group the community is being
defined by what is inside and outside of them, expecting a homogeneity and conformism (2009, pp.163-166). The authors suggest the scale should be reworked to represent communal blocks versus rigid villages however this does not fall in line with world
bank methods (2009, p.165). "
"

Two alternatives are proposed in theory to this western concept of defined territo-

ry. Brian Thom calls it radical cartography, rather than a perimeter within which one is to
operate, he would represent the networks of people and properties as hubs and destinations (2009, p. 197). The routes of commute that are considered a criteria by
Cameron and Meligrana are represented as paths radiating from a home location to
those of harvesting, villages, etc, thus displaying the activity spaces. The space in between is not always unused, but it is allowed to be left without title (2010)(Thom, 2009,
pp.198-199)!
!

Ketut Deddy refers to the alternative as Nancy Peluso does, as Counter-Map-

ping; community based mapping that seeks to understand the indigenous ways and
properly represent them rather than placing them in a neo-colonial structure (2006, p.
90.) Deddy suggests that this unsettles the categorical power relations (2006, p.107)"

"
Conclusion!
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Although alternative mapping processes allow for participation and empowering

people to gain property rights, it is criticized at times as a diversion tactic or appeasement process while the state encourages conformance to their own ideas of property.

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However, when carried out with the proper intentions and in a culturally sensitive state,
the results appear to have a positive influence on the final result."
"

The Alberta governments handbook to traditional use study suggests it is useful

to consider how the information being gathered will be mapped as a final product, in order to ensure all necessary information is collected and is consistent (2003). Although
they dont give explicit suggestions as to types of data or methods of mapping because
this can vary so drastically, this concept has reared its head multiple times throughout
this research. Continuous reference has made to the necessity of being prepared and
educated before undergoing the delineation process by gathering quantitative data,
conducting interviews, involving citizens in the process, and simply being culturally conscious of the possible discrepancies in practice. These final intentions are the factors
that will shape not only village boundaries, but how they are represented cartographically. As livelihoods and cultural identities are often at stake, its vital to ensure that they are
represented correctly."
"

The recently produced Maya Atlas is one resource that has been produced after

undertaking this mapping process and will likely be an adaptive reference for future
work (Wainwright & Bryan, 2009, p.160). The intention is to learn from these case studies and attempt to adapt them to the Belizean setting."
"

Although it seems the process has become imperative, mapping these cultures is

not enough. It is necessary to continuously interrogate the exercise as Wainwright and

Bryan suggest, ensuring that representation is true, and that the inclusive relationship
doesn't just end with consultive mapping but rather continues to adapt to changing ecological and social conditions (2009, p.170)."

Cross Cultural Boundary Demarcation

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Bibliography"
Cameron, R., & Meligrana, J. (2010). Criteria For Determining Municipal Boundaries and Categorization of Metropolitan Municipalities.

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Deddy, K. (July, 2006). Community Mapping, Tenurial Rights, and Conflict Resolution in Kalimantan. In State
Communities and Forests in contemporary Borneo. ANU E Press.
Dickert, N., & Sugarman, J. (2005). Ethical goals of community consultation in research. American Journal of Public
Health, 95(7), 1123-1127. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2004.058933

Gerlach, J. (2014). Lines, contours and legends: Coordinates for vernacular mapping. Progress in Human Geography, 38(1), 22-39. doi:10.1177/0309132513490594

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Honda-McNeil, J., Parsons, D., & Alberta Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. (2003). Best practices
handbook for traditional use studies. Edmonton: Government of Alberta, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.

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Keating, M. (1995). Size, Efficiency and Democracy: Consolidation, Fragmentation and Public Choice. In D. Judge,
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