This paper describes the first results of a recent research, operated in 2014 dealing with Campania Region FSE by the University of Naples “L’Orientale”, focused on an analysis of the main geo-cartographic Laboratories active at the Italian Universities. Through a compared research, the work reconstructs activities, studies, technical processes and methods of action that characterize the experiences resulting from various research paths, concerning the use of GIS and the archiving and digitalizing of cartographic heritage. It focuses on specificities and activities conducted by some university labs, with the aim to highlight the various forms of development activated, trying to understand their role fulfilled during these years in different territorial contexts.
The purpose is to reintroduce the proposal of a census of the existing Laboratories, that could be a valid cognitive base to demand the creation of an Italian network of Laboratories, with achievable international perspectives, able to develop collaborative practices among the different corporations and institutes of research.
