Menno-Jan Kraak, emeritus professor of Geovisual Analytics and Cartography at the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), has been awarded the Mercator Medal by the German Cartographic Society (DGfK). The medal, the highest distinction conferred by the DGfK, was presented during the society’s 75th anniversary celebration at the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin.
The Mercator Medal recognizes individuals who have made outstanding, internationally acknowledged contributions to the field of cartography. In its official announcement, the DGfK praised Kraak for his “exceptional scientific achievements” and his long-standing engagement with the international cartographic community. As part of the DGfK celebration, Professor Kraak delivered a keynote lecture and participated in a special session with young cartographers, continuing his commitment to fostering innovation and dialogue within the field.
Distinguished academic career
Emeritus professor Kraak has had a distinguished academic career, marked by leadership roles such as serving as President of the International Cartographic Association (ICA) from 2015 to 2019. He is widely recognized for his influential work in geovisualization, web cartography, and the theoretical foundations of map design. His publications, including several seminal books, have shaped the way cartography is taught and practiced worldwide.
Images from Atlas of the World of ITC: The impact of capacity development
Advocate for next generation of cartographers
Earlier this year, the University of Twente hosted a farewell symposium in his honour, titled “Maps – What do we see”, where colleagues and collaborators from around the world gathered to reflect on his contributions to the discipline. The event underscored his impact not only as a researcher and educator but also as a mentor and advocate for the next generation of cartographers. The University of Twente congratulates Professor Kraak on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates his enduring legacy in the world of cartography.
