northup

NorthUp is a cartographic principle and related software ecosystem that emphasizes keeping geographic north at the top of maps and visualizations. It defines a fixed-orientation approach to map rendering across devices, in contrast to dynamic orientation modes that rotate maps to follow user heading or device orientation.

Origins trace to digital cartography and GIS practice in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, where standardizing map orientation improved consistency in labeling, grid references, and data comparison. The term NorthUp has been used to describe both design choices and software libraries that implement fixed north orientation.

Core features include a fixed geographic frame, upright labels and symbols, and a stable grid system. NorthUp-compatible tools typically support vector and raster data, multiple coordinate systems, and tile-based rendering. Many implementations offer both north-up rendering and optional rotation for legacy data, with APIs to toggle orientation and to preserve label legibility when the map is kept north-up.

Applications span public safety, surveying, education, and digital mapping platforms where reproducibility and cross-device consistency are valued. It is commonly used in field notebooks, archival maps, and scenario planning where a consistent orientation aids comparison.

Reception is mixed. Proponents cite reduced cognitive load and easier cartographic comparison, while opponents note that fixed north orientation can be less intuitive for users who expect the map to align with their direction of movement, and may complicate navigational tasks in some contexts.