Cartography 3.

Babylonian World Map (600 BCE) – One

of the earliest recorded world maps,
Cartography is the science, art, and technology
showing Babylon at the center.
of making maps. It involves:
4. Marshall Island Stick Charts – Used by
• Surveying and collecting geographic
Pacific Islanders for navigation between
data to create accurate representations.
islands, showing wave patterns and
• Visualizing spatial information to island positions.
support navigation and decision-
5. Mediterranean T-O Map (Medieval Era)
making.
– A medieval European map dividing the
• Modeling the real-world using symbols world into three parts: Asia, Europe,
and generalization techniques. and Africa.

• Applying philosophical and theoretical 6. Ptolemy’s Geographia (~150 CE) – A

frameworks to improve map design and collection of maps and geographic
usability. concepts that influenced later
cartography.
The Role of a Cartographer
7. Vienne Map (1565 CE) – A detailed
A cartographer is a professional who designs historical map reflecting cartographic
and produces maps. Traditionally, cartographers knowledge in the Renaissance period.
were responsible for all aspects of mapmaking,
but today, advancements in technology (such as
GIS and remote sensing) have expanded their
What is a Map?
role to include data analysis and digital
mapping. A map is a graphical representation of cultural
and physical environments, using symbols and
generalization to communicate spatial
History of Cartography information.

Humans have been making maps for thousands Key Characteristics of Maps
of years to represent their environments. These
• Scale Reduction – Maps reproduce
maps evolved alongside technological
reality at a smaller scale.
advancements, from ancient rock carvings to
sophisticated digital maps. • Selectivity – Only relevant information
is included.
Examples of Historical Maps
• Symbolization – Features are
1. Çatalhöyük Map (~7,600 BCE) – One of
represented using visual symbols.
the earliest known maps, depicting a
Neolithic settlement with a nearby • Abstraction – Maps simplify complex
volcano. geographic information.

2. Gladigha Petroglyph Map – A Types of Maps Based on Medium

prehistoric rock engraving that
1. Tangible Maps – Physical maps printed
represents early attempts at spatial
on paper or other materials.
representation.
 2. Visual Maps – Digital maps displayed on 1. Data Collection – Gathering geographic
screens, such as Google Maps. and spatial data.

3. Mental Maps – Internalized maps based 2. Generalization & Conceptualization –

on personal experiences and memory. Deciding what to include and how to
represent it.

3. Design & Representation – Creating the

Types of Tangible Maps
physical or digital map.
1. General Reference Maps – Provide a
4. Distribution & Use – Making the map
broad overview of geography, such as
accessible to users.
road maps and topographic maps.
5. Evaluation & Updating – Ensuring
2. Thematic Maps – Focus on specific
accuracy and relevance over time.
themes or subjects, such as population
density, climate zones, or land use.

Characteristics of Thematic Maps Cartography in Geography

• Emphasize a single subject or theme. Cartography is an essential part of geography

because it allows for the visual representation
• Use specific symbols to communicate
of spatial information. It involves:
data.
• Collecting geographical data
• Provide detailed information on one
topic. • Map making

• Select features that are relevant to the • Visual representation of data

theme.
• Representation of geographical data

• Analyzing natural features

Purpose and Uses of Maps
• Updating existing maps
Maps serve various functions, depending on
• Estimating distances
their intended audience and purpose. They are
used for: • To show geographical concepts
• Navigation – Road maps, nautical • Publication of geographical articles
charts, and aeronautical maps.

• Geographic Analysis – Identifying

patterns and trends in data. Advantages of Maps

• Easy to use – Simple to handle and

• Communication – Conveying spatial
relationships and geographic interpret.
information. • Helps with planning – Useful in urban
The Cartographic Process planning, engineering, and
development projects.
 • Portable and accessible – Can be • Their dependence on technology and
printed or stored digitally. internet

• Helps with navigation – Essential for

travel, tourism, and exploration.
Cartographic Design Process
• Helps solve problems – Useful in
The cartographic design process ensures maps
resolving territorial conflicts and
effectively communicate information. Key steps
property boundaries.
include:
• Promotes understanding and
1. Define Purpose & Audience – Identify
appreciation – Enhances geographic
the map’s goal and intended users to
awareness and cultural knowledge.
determine the necessary level of detail.
• Allows comprehend scales and
2. Select Scale – Balance detail and
distances – Helps determine the best
coverage; larger scales show more
travel paths.
detail, while smaller scales cover
• Flexibility – Can represent both large broader areas.
and small areas.
3. Determine Map Type & Data – Choose
• Easily traced and replicated – Useful for between reference, thematic, or
education and research. pragmatic maps and collect relevant
data.
Disadvantages of Maps
4. Apply Abstraction & Generalization –
Despite their usefulness, maps have limitations:
Simplify reality using:
• Not always accurate – May contain
o Selection – Choose essential
errors or outdated information.
features.
• Can be misleading – Inaccuracies in
o Simplification – Reduce
scale and projection can distort reality.
complexity.
• Can be confusing – Large amounts of
o Classification – Group data for
information may be overwhelming.
clarity.
• Expensive to produce – High-quality
o Symbolization – Use colors and
maps require advanced tools and data
symbols for meaning.
collection.
5. Design Layout & Visual Hierarchy –
• Can become outdated – Changes in
Prioritize key elements, use contrast,
geography and infrastructure may
and maintain balance for readability.
render old maps useless.
6. Refine & Finalize – Gather feedback,
• Less accurate than globes – Distortions
adjust design, and ensure clarity before
occur when representing a spherical
completion
Earth on a flat surface.