Maps and the Basis of Symbolization

This paper attempts to display some of the fundamentals involved in the process of “symbolization” by examining the symbolic nature of cartographic maps. There are elements underlying all symbolization clearly discernible in such “basic” symbolic forms which are valuable for developing a feel for what symbolization is and why it plays such a central role in analytical psychology. The analogical and literal linguistic relationship psychology has with cartography is used to suggest some terms—dimensional “augmentation,” “translation,” and “conflation”—that can be viewed as describing some of the basic elements involved in the operation of a symbol. This gives us a way to approach a feeling for what symbols do in addition to the more usual concentration on where they lead to.