Meaning & Representation

• What does topography mean?

  the shape/form of the land + the distribution of its surface features and the relationship between them
• Topographical features such as mountains may be composed of a specific rock type (1). The local rock of the mountains may be used to build houses, making them have a distinct look and giving the place its character (1) (d). For example, the ‘slate villages’ of North Wales are known for the houses built of local slate, and the culture of the area is deeply connected with the slate
• Experienced places are places that you have lived in or visited before. This means we may acquire a deeper understanding of the place
• • Media places are places that we only know through media such as TV, literature, songs or art. This means that our perceptions are based on what is presented to us
• Media places can become experienced place but not vice versa (1). However, when we experience such places, they may not live up to our expectations
• Media places often focus on extreme positive or negative characteristics of place
• • Media places can be fictitious for example Hogwarts and we can gain a strong sense of place through the media representations of these places. These places cannot fall short of our expectations as we are unable to experience them
• GIS systems such as ArcGIS display geospatial data and can be used to show how place characteristics change across an area (1). For example, numbers of unemployed people could be presented as proportional circles on top of a base-map (1). This makes it clear to see how unemployment changes across a given area and can be related to other characteristics such as land-use
• External agencies which try to drive change in an area include:

  1. Government policies (eg Chinese gov introducing the one-child policy)
  2. Decisions of multinational corporations (eg Detroit's car manufacturing in the mid-20th century)
  3. Impacts of international or global institutions (eg the World Food Programme providing food)
• Globalisation refers to the increasing interconnectedness between different parts of the world due to advances in technology and transport. It involves the spread of ideas, culture, goods and services around the globe. Globalisation affects many aspects of life including economic development, social relationships and cultural identity.
• Which groups can influence our perceptions of a place?

  1. Media
  2. Governments
  3. local groups / communities
  4. tourists
• The representation of place is how individuals or organisations such as businesses or councils portray places they know about to others.
• How may external agencies attempt to change perceptions of a place?

  • Place Marketing
  • Reimaging
  • Rebranding
• REBRANDING:

  Rebranding is about giving a place a new identity that is appealing to people and investors.

  It is achieved through reimagining, place marketing and regeneration schemes.

  As part of rebranding many places create logos and slogans that are designed to be instantly recognisable and create positive associations with the place they're representing
• The rebranding of Chicago from an industrial, crime-ridden city to a cultural, economic, and architectural hub has significantly changed its perception both locally and globally. Strategic investments in public spaces, infrastructure, and cultural institutions have played a critical role in transforming the city’s image, leading to increased tourism, economic development, and an improved quality of life for its residents.
• Mayorsdale Foundation's "New Chicago" Campaign

  A non-profit organization rebranded Chicago's image, focusing on its arts and cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and scenic waterfront
• Mccann Worldgroup's "Chicago, Where the Great Work Gets Done" Campaign

  A campaign highlighting Chicago's world-class universities, research institutions, and innovation hubs
• The Windy City Tourism Board's "Chicago: The City of Neighborhoods" Campaign


  A campaign celebrating Chicago's diverse neighborhoods, highlighting their unique cultures, attractions, and cuisines, with the Chicago Bean serving as a hub for tourists and locals
• Examples of Rebranding Leading to Change:

  1. Millennium Park and The Bean:

  • Past: The area where Millennium Park now stands was once an industrial wasteland, primarily used for railroads and parking lots.
  • Present: The development of Millennium Park, featuring the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (The Bean), transformed the space into a major tourist attraction and community gathering spot, redefining the city's image as a centre for public art and urban renewal.
• Past Perceptions of Chicago:

  1. Industrial Hub: Chicago was once known primarily as an industrial powerhouse, with a significant emphasis on manufacturing and meatpacking. The city was characterized by its bustling factories, railroads, and stockyards.
  2. Crime and Corruption
  3. Blue-Collar Identity: The city's identity was deeply rooted in its working-class population, with a strong presence of labour unions and a gritty, tough image.
• Crime in Chicago has declined since the 1990s, but the city still has a high murder rate (695 per year in 2022 from 850 per year in 1990). Violent crime now sits at 61k per year but in the past (1990) was around 67k per year.

  
• Present Perceptions of Chicago:

  1. Cultural Metropolis: eg The Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
  2. Architectural Marvel: The city is celebrated for its stunning architecture, both historic and modern. The skyline features iconic buildings like the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center.
  3. Economic and Technological Hub: Chicago has rebranded itself as a centre for finance, technology, and innovation.
  4. The city's culinary scene has gained international acclaim, with a variety of Michelin-starred restaurants and a diverse array of food offerings.
• Media representation of Chicago:?

  • Culinary: The Bear, TV series reinforces the idea that Chicago is a location with rich food.
  • Culture: songs like "End of Beginning" by Djo with 800 million streams based on the city and not wanting to leave it -- reinforce the idea Chicago is a cultural metropolis
• What were some of the perceptions of Liverpool before its rebranding?

  Industrial, gritty, economically depressed.

  • Liverpool was a major port city, vital for trade and commerce during the British Empire.
  • Post-World War II, the city faced economic decline due to deindustrialization, leading to high unemployment and social issues.
  • Liverpool struggled with economic stagnation, urban decay, and social unrest. The Toxteth riots in 1981 highlighted racial tensions and economic disparities.
  • The city was often perceived negatively, associated with poverty, crime, and dereliction.
• What are some present perceptions around Liverpool (after its rebranding)?

  • Economic Revival: Significant investments in urban regeneration, infrastructure, and redevelopment have revitalized the city.
  • Cultural Hub: Liverpool’s designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2008 was a turning point, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and modern vibrancy.
  • Tourism and Culture: The waterfront and Albert Dock symbolise its transformation.
  • The city has also become a hub for education, innovation, and business, attracting investments and fostering economic growth.
• Liverpool Vision:

  Urban Regeneration Agency: Played a pivotal role in driving the city’s economic regeneration and urban development projects, focusing on creating a dynamic and attractive city environment.
• • Marketing Liverpool:
  • Destination Marketing Organization: Responsible for promoting Liverpool as a destination for tourism, business, and investment, leveraging its cultural and historical assets.
• • European Capital of Culture (2008):
  • Cultural Initiative: The award provided a platform for extensive cultural programming and international promotion, significantly enhancing the city's profile and tourism appeal.
• • Liverpool City Region Combined Authority:
  • Strategic Development: Facilitates economic development, transport, housing, and skills initiatives across the Liverpool City Region, promoting sustainable growth and innovation.
• • Private Sector Partnerships:
  • Investment and Development: Collaboration with private developers and investors has been crucial for major projects such as Liverpool ONE, the Baltic Triangle, and various residential and commercial developments.
• Between 2012 and 2022, the number of jobs in Liverpool increased significantly, with the employment rate rising from 63.2% in 2012 to 71.3% in 2022 .
• Growth in Hospitality: The hotel occupancy rate in Liverpool has increased, reaching an average of 79% in 2019, up from around 65% in 2008, indicating a strong demand for accommodation driven by tourism and business travel . (tourism)
• Regeneration Projects:

  • Liverpool ONE: The Liverpool ONE retail and leisure complex, which opened in 2008, is one of the largest open-air shopping centers in the UK. It has significantly boosted the local economy, contributing around £3.3 billion to the economy since its opening .
  • Baltic Triangle: The Baltic Triangle area has been transformed into a creative and digital hub, with over 500 businesses operating in the area by 2020, compared to only a handful in the early 2000s .
• Quality of Life and Social Indicators

  1. Population Growth:

  • Rising Population: Liverpool’s population has been steadily increasing, growing from approximately 466,000 in 2011 to over 500,000 in 2021, reversing previous decades of population decline .

  1. Education and Skills:

  • Higher Education: The presence of prestigious institutions like the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University has grown, with student numbers increasing by 25% from 2010 to 2020. This influx has not only boosted the local economy but also enhanced the city’s talent pool .
• What is geospatial data?


  Data collected in the field (a place) that has location information tied to it, such as latitude and longitude coordinates. This can then be used in a GIS program to plot the location of the data. For example, collecting data on crime and making note of coordinates of each space investigated.