Map of the future

Metaphor coined to describe the intent of futures studies to provide a guide to the 'terrain' ahead. Highly problematic at first sight, but takes on greater meaning when related to a series of probing questions about the near-term future. What are the main continuities? What are the major trends? What are the most important change processes? What are the most serious problems? What new factors are 'in the pipeline'? What are the main sources of inspiration and hope? High quality answers to questions such as these provide the interpretive knowledge that can be used to create and refine the 'map' or 'structural overview' of the near-term future.