Maps and the Law: How far can you go in Court?

Maps have been used since time immemorial to help us find our way. A recent addition to the lexicon of the map is that of the digital map produced by geographic information systems (OIS) in hard copy or transiently on screen linked to global positioning systems (GPS). These sorts of maps have now taken centre stage in cartographic circles. This paper is in two parts. First, it provides a brief history of the development of cartography and how reliance on maps has in some instances been absolute. Then in the second section it poses the question of the limits to which modern maps can be of use in courts of law. Some case studies of selected 'juicy' legal conundrums are discussed.