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Characteristics of Map

The document discusses the principles of cartographic design and the importance of maps in communicating geographic information. It outlines the characteristics, purposes, and roles of maps, emphasizing the need for accuracy and beauty in cartography. Additionally, it highlights the transformation of information through various processes and the qualities of a good map maker.

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33 views5 pages

Characteristics of Map

The document discusses the principles of cartographic design and the importance of maps in communicating geographic information. It outlines the characteristics, purposes, and roles of maps, emphasizing the need for accuracy and beauty in cartography. Additionally, it highlights the transformation of information through various processes and the qualities of a good map maker.

Uploaded by

ሚልክያስ መና
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Knowing and communicating

GEOG 462: Cartographic Design


Literacy
Communicating Geographic Information

Articulacy Numeracy
“Geographers think in and through maps, and changes in mapping
capabilities will affect the way we think about the world."

Ron Abler (1987), Annals of the Association of American Geographers Graphicacy

Maps

Basic characteristics of maps Map purposes


all maps are concerned with two primary elements
locations and attributes
the look of a map depends largely on its
all maps are reductions of reality
intended use and intended audience
scale examples
all maps are transformations of space store geographic information
map projections and coordinate systems aid navigation or mobility
all maps are abstractions of reality aid analysis, such as measuring or
generalization and its components
computing
summarize large amounts of statistical data
all maps use signs and symbolism
for forecasting or detecting trends
cartographic symbolization
visualize what was otherwise invisible

Cartographic representation
Principle task of cartography

communicate geographical information Exaggeration Reading

graphically Classification

basic focus of graphic artist -- beauty


basic focus of surveyor -- accuracy Map Map Map
Selection Analysis
Making Effectiveness Use
basic focus of cartographer -- communicate
the information beautifully and accurately
Simplification

Symbolization Interpretation

1
Map reading and analysis Information transformation

Transform 1 Transform 2 Transform 3 Transform 1 Transform 2 Transform 3

Recognized
Data Cartographer Map Map reader Geographical Map
geographical Map image
environment
information

Census Selection Reading


Ground survey Classification Analysis
Transformation of information through a PERSON GPS Simplification Interpretation
Remote sensing Exaggeration
Compilation Symbolization

Transformation of information through a PROCESS

Scope of Cartography
Qualities of a good map maker
Map maker
intellectual honesty
meticulous nature
patience
Data Map sense of proportion
cleanliness
comparatively inartistic
ability to correct errors
Map user

The Roles of Maps – Alan McEachren


“Some Truth with Maps”

1. Exploration
2. Confirmation
3. Synthesis
4. Presentation
5. OTHERS??

Source:MacEachren, 1994, p. 2.

2
1. Exploration

Visual Thinking
Manipulation
Brain Storming
Induction
Informal
Free from rules and protocol
Trial and Error
Ad Hoc, Pro Temp
Individual or Sharing ideas with others

Source:MacEachren, 1994, p. 4.

2. Confirmation 3. Synthesis

Investigation Process Visual Communication


Assumptions made Coherent statement of ideas, patterns,
Questions Posed
relationships
Hypotheses Generated
Abstraction process
Confirm initial ideas
Outcome of modeling Signal from noise
Map overlay / comparison Lose detail / gain perspective
Analysis of residuals What to suppress, what to emphasize, which
relationships are significant
Rebuttal

Source:MacEachren, 1994, p. 2.

3
4. Presentation

Convincing others
Authenticity
“People believe maps”
(Suspicion of statistical analysis)
Combine measurement and ‘expert’
knowledge
GOALS

Clickable Graphic
#4 Clicked Here

4
5. OTHERS??
SUMMARY I

YOUR TURN Cartographic Language


HAS MACEACHREN THOUGHT OF ALL Graphic Representation - Abstraction
THE POSSIBILITIES? Visualization
WHAT OTHER ROLES DO MAPS HAVE? Displaying Data
Communication
AUDIENCE
Map Composition
Presentation

SUMMARY II

Private and Public Domains


Visual Thinking and Visual
Communication
Design and symbolization
GIS flexibility
Many possible renditions
Different strategies
(design/symbolization) for different goals

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