In this paper we initially present a critical review of a range of ethnological maps produced over the last 130 years for
highland northern Vietnam. In particular we illustrate the many difficulties faced when trying to represent mosaics of ethnic
highland minority groups on two dimensional maps. Such historical maps included no attempts to bring topographic details
into the picture, an idea that would have been virtually impossible anyway, given the cartographic technologies at the time.
Yet by not including such details or not representing them clearly, a partial image of these populations has been created
that, over time, has become a standardised representation. Therefore, as a more systematic approach to the analysis of these
highland minority groups, we present recent attempts to create more functional maps and models for the northern Vietnam
province of Lao Cai, using modern cartographic techniques and geographic information systems. Utilising tools such as
digital cartography and digital elevation models a wealth of information can be gained which has the potential, amongst other
possible uses, to allow for a greater understanding and sensitivity regarding ethnic minority groups in Northern Vietnam,
and their use of the local environment.