Backcasting Mapping is a knowledge cartography technique developed by John Robinson in the 1980s. The Backcasting Map supports learners to envision and plan for a desired future by working backward to identify necessary policies and actions. It is useful for strategic planning and creating sustainable development scenarios.
6-instructions to create a Backcasting Map:
- Define a desired future state or goal.
- Identify the current state and critical challenges.
- Work backward to map the steps needed to reach the future state.
- Develop policies and programs that bridge the present to the desired future.
- Consider potential obstacles and how to overcome them.
- Create a timeline that plots key milestones and interventions.
These Backcasting Maps can help students to think critically about long-term goals and the pathways to achieve them.
The application of these Backcasting Maps is particularly relevant in environmental studies, urban planning, and policy development.
Our studies about Backcasting Maps using AI map application indicate enhanced scenario analysis and decision-making foresight as one of the main advantages.