Mechanization of the not visible: essay on telecommunications infrastructure

Abstract

The following addresses questions that arose in a Final Paper, which explored ways of cartographically representing the telecommunications systems that exist within the Brazilian territory. It underscores the need for a more in-depth interpretation of the relation between territory and mass communication systems. Based on a theoretical framework focused on the isues of Information and Communication Technologies (TIC), we selected as our object of study the antennas known as Radio Base Stations (RBS) – responsible for telephone and mobile internet systems. This was achieved through an extensive data collection process, which led to the creation of a comprehensive and unprecedented database aimed at georeferencing telecommunications infrastructures. In an attempt of challenging the limits and possibilities of representing these elements cartographically, we adopted an unorthodox approach to the use of georeferenced information, establishing a process that was primarly experimental and non-linear, grounded in trial and error. Consequently, this research is less concerned with inferring definitive answers and more focused on fostering new inquiries and questions.