Introduction to

Cartography

By
Sharifah Norashikin Bohari
 Define the impact of changing idea of
cartography
Discuss the digital map production
process
• Concept of representation
• Early maps: more figurative than literal
• Geometry
• Shape and size of the earth
• Locational reference system
• Reconciling conflicting information
• Church maps
 Abstract stick charts
helped Polynesians
navigate between
remote South Sea
Islands by somehow
representing essential
characteristics of
prevailing winds and
currents.
(From Robinson, et al., 1995)

History of Cartography 4
The map constructed in
the 15th century from
Ptolemy's written
directions and
descriptions, and
reflects geographical
knowledge of the known
world in the 2nd century
A.D.
(From Robinson, et al., 1995)
• Science and measurement
• the concept of order: cause-effect relations
• chance (or probability)
• Enlightenment - positional accuracy
• Concept of distribution
• place - general reference maps
• space - the spatial extent and variation of features - the idea
of distribution
• thematic maps

History of Cartography 6
The perceived
shape of
France before
and after the
1693 survey
by Picard and
La Hire
(revised
coastline in
bold).
(from Dorling and Fairbairn,
1997)
• Systems/ecological thinking
• Ecological model: view the environment as a system
of interrelated processes
• Systems approach
• Cartographic modelling: environmental phenomena
are selected, weighted by importance, and linked
together to form a numerical index
• Manual: mappae mundi and portolan charts -
hand drawing
• Magnetic: compass and magnetic media
• Mechanical: machine process and printing
• Optical: telescopic sighting instruments and
projection, optical media
• Photo-chemical: photogrammetry
• Electronic: computer process
 Electronic

Photo-chemical

Optical

Mechanical
Magnetic

Manual

1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000
History of Cartography 10
A formschneider (one who
carves woodcuts) at work in
front of a window. In those days
there was no satisfactory
substitute for daylight.
"Manual mapping procedures
were dominant during the
longest period in the recorded
history of cartography".
— Robinson, et al., 1995
Printing from a copperplate
engraving with the rolling
press was a hard work.
"Machine power augmented
and magnified human
muscle power. The result
was a major increase in the
speed and efficiency of the
mapping process, with a
commensurate reduction in
mapping cost".
— Robinson, et al., 1995

History of Cartography 12
• Information age.
• Information systems.
• Geographical information systems (GIS).
• Maps play a key role in GIS.
• GIS are crucial in modern mapping.

History of Cartography 13
• Era 1 – Historical - Pre 1960s The subjects for the historical era
highlight the similarities of new innovations in cartography and
the methods by which they were created.
• Era 2 Technology – 1960s The 1960s in the spatial industry was
one where technological development started. The technology
to be able to do spatial work digitally was just beginning to
have an effect on the industry and this was the start of a new
era in the way products were developed
• Era 3 – Technology Advancement – 1990s The 1990s was the
era where Geographic Information Systems (GIS) rose to
prominence. The 1990s saw technology become accessible and
affordable, and an everyday ‘essential’. GIS also grew with the
rise of personal computers
• Era 4 – Modern Technology – Post 2000s Technology and
instant access to information is an essential and expected part
of modern day life. It is this that has continued to fuel the
spatial industry. With more personal devices than ever, the
information that is needed to feed the public is immense
Definition:
A process which involves the production
of data collection, mapping artwork,
checking, editing, printing, and
distributing.
Definition:

Involves the use of computer in related map production

process, this includes, data collection, management,
designing, editing, coloring and printing.
Digital Map Production Process
• Reduce redundant work
• Increasing map productivity
• Updating map is much easier
• Mapping quality is higher
• Ability to make new products
• Production monitoring is more effectives
• Expensive price of computer hardware
and software
• High cost of systems maintenance
• Training of operators is needed
• Maintenance difficulties
Choose a Capability How much
suitable of an colour is
approach organization required?

Manpower Sufficient Accuracy

instrument and quality

Financial
capability

Guideline to effective map production

• What is artwork?
Artwork is the working document which contains all the
necessary information for maps production purposes.

• Types of artwork:
a) Positive artwork
b) Negative artwork
c) Digital artwork
Positive artwork
• Type of artwork which produced normally with manual
drafting using printers or plotters.
Negative artwork
• Converted positive artwork for reproduction processes
and can be produced using laser beam or coating
process.
Digital artwork
• Type of mapping artwork which made based on
computer digitally.
• Display on the screen