Practical Guide for the 37space Division of a Polis

Outcome

A 75x75 grid overlaid upon a city map. The squares of both axes, not the grid lines, are numbered from -37 to 37 (-37 ... 0 ... 37).

figure. A

The grid is to be aligned N-S, E-W (or equivalent). +37 is in the N direction on the Y axis, E on the X. This assignment of positive and negative directions is solely due to graphing convention and is otherwise arbitrary. (Although, at least in the southern hemisphere, there could be a solar justification for positive Northern and Eastern directions).

Purpose

For multiple cities (extant and constructed) to be mapped in this manner and correspondences formed, possibly leading to the construction of new cities and spaces within cities. Also, to provide spaces and connections for actions to occur and flow through.

Method

There are two possilble methods of divison, depending on resources available, scale contraints, and aesthetic considerations.

first (full map)

1. Choose a centre point, C, for the city. This can be a geometric centre, social centre (e.g. main square or plaza), historical centre, animistic centre (e.g. a spring), or any other justifiable centre of the particular city. (This is a common first step.)
2. Enclose the city (chosing the city limits as appropriate) in a PxP square, centred on centre point C. P may be a specific distance, or merely enough to enclose the desired geography.
figure B.
3. Calculate the size of grid division, d; d=P/75
4. Divide each side of the PxP square into 75 divisions of length d to form the grid. Centre C will end up in the centre of one of the dxd grid squares. This square is 0,0 (or 0-0-0-*-0)
figure C.
5. Label the grid square as in figure A. above

second (restricted map)

1. Choose centre, C (as in previous method).
2. Choose a grid square length, d.
3. Construct grid outwards from C. This can be done on any map containing C but not necessarily large enough to fit the PxP square (i.e. not containing 37,37 or -37,-37 etc.) A sample value for d is 400m (arising from the division of city C——). NB: It is not necessarily required that d be the same for all cities.
figure D.