While traditional cartography presupposes certain constraints in terms of dimensional accuracy and conformity with design guidelines, the genre of satirical maps distances itself from such restrictions. This study looks into the satirical map, which, as part of alternative cartography, follows a broader view of the map as a medium for conveying more than only spatial information. The scientific exploration of maps of this kind has received little research attention, although related research has shown that the use of comics and humor in an educational context, which share aspects with satirical maps, have proven to be effective in the uptake and memorization of information. In Dutch and German history classes, satirical maps are used as historical sources, without the usability of it actually having been determined. This thesis aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages of the satirical map in history class in contrast to those of a plain map. A usability study is conducted on two secondary schools, including class experiments (N=91), observations, and interviews with teachers (N=7). The results show that despite their incongruity with scientific constraints, satirical maps provide qualities of their own. Teachers believe satirical maps to be especially useful in practicing 21st-century skills, the most important of which involve analytical and critical thinking, including recognizing and explaining contextdependency and multiperspectivity. Whereas there is little difference in the level of engagement and discussion between the students that received a satirical map to study, and those that studied the plain map, their evaluation shows multiple differences. The average student finds the use of a satirical map useful, interesting, and entertaining, although most satisfaction scores lie below that of the plain map. The results of the usability test show a low efficiency for both maps, and a higher effectiveness for the plain map. However, according to the official learning objectives in history class, satirical maps can function well as an educational aid in history class precisely because they have different qualities than plain maps.     «

While traditional cartography presupposes certain constraints in terms of dimensional accuracy and conformity with design guidelines, the genre of satirical maps distances itself from such restrictions. This study looks into the satirical map, which, as part of alternative cartography, follows a broader view of the map as a medium for conveying more than only spatial information. The scientific exploration of maps of this kind has received little research attention, although related research...     »