Kartenausschuss

The Kartenausschuss, or "map committee," is a term used in the context of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) to refer to a group of individuals responsible for the creation and distribution of maps and cartographic materials. These maps were used for various purposes, including military planning, urban development, and propaganda. The Kartenausschuss was part of the broader state apparatus in the GDR, which was heavily centralized and controlled by the ruling Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED).

The committee was established to ensure that all cartographic materials produced in the GDR adhered to the official state ideology and policies. This included the depiction of the country's borders, the placement of cities and landmarks, and the representation of historical events. The maps were often used to promote the GDR's image as a progressive and socialist state, while downplaying or omitting information that could be seen as critical of the regime.

The Kartenausschuss worked closely with other state agencies, such as the Ministry of State Security (Stasi) and the Ministry of the Interior, to ensure that the maps were accurate and served the interests of the state. The committee was also responsible for the distribution of maps to various organizations and individuals within the GDR, including schools, universities, and private citizens.

The activities of the Kartenausschuss were kept secret from the general public, and its existence was not widely known until the fall of the GDR in 1989. After the reunification of Germany, the committee was disbanded, and its archives were made available for research. Today, the maps and other materials produced by the Kartenausschuss are of historical interest, providing insights into the cartographic practices and state ideology of the GDR.