Counter-Mapping Spatial Footprint and Economic Activity of the Logistics Complex in the Netherlands

Abstract

The growing footprint and the economic importance of the logistics complex has become an urgent planning topic on policy agendas in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and its neighboring countries. The rise of the XXL warehouse is an important element in this discourse. The discourse typically features many different growth figures and maps on a highly aggregated level, whereas the source data are often not made available. Policymakers and researchers, however, need a more detailed comprehensive overview to make adequate decisions, analyze developments over time, and communicate with the broader public. This paper presents the counter-mapping process of compiling, validating, and sharing such a cartographic overview, including different types and size classes of distribution centers (DCs). It discusses several methodological and practical obstacles, as well as the use of an interactive map and a dashboard to inform a broader public, and the representation of the time dimension. Furthermore, it discusses insights of the open-access cartography of the logistics complex that challenge the common narratives outlined by the market and government, and it provides recommendations for the updating and improvement of the dataset and visualization