Introduction: Territorial analysis and reflexive mapping on the Covid-19 infection

This section presents a theoretical and methodological approach to research the Covid-19 epidemic that underlies the chapters of this volume, aimed at investigating the interaction between epidemiological aspects and territorial features. After isolating three different contagion phases based on the speed and intensity of propagation, we address the socio-territorial aspects that may have influenced the trend of the first epidemic wave in Italy. On the one hand, this approach relies on the relevance of spatiality, which is where things happen, for understanding social phenomena. On the other, it depends on the adoption of a reflexivity paradigm in cartography, which envisions mapping as a powerful medium for promoting an interpretation of such phenomena. The goal is to identify those aspects of contemporary living that facilitate contagion in order to act on these territorial fragilities and to stem epidemic vulnerability.