This paper reports an overview of mapping research in progress in the Atlantic Regional
Node on the social economy. The authors review the approach being taken to the task of mapping parts of the social economy. We contextualize this work within a discussion of the significance of mapping for the region, and a brief review of both the types of information available and the gaps that exist. As a first step the research focuses on developing and implementing a study of co-operatives across the four provinces. Our
paper summarizes and explains the steps taken thus far, highlighting the contributions anticipated and the rationale for beginning with co-operatives.