Introduction to

Cartography
What is it?
“…the art, science, and
technology of making
maps together with their
study as scientific
documents and works of
art”
- British Cartographic Society
 Cartography

Involves the making and study of maps in all

aspects
An efficient and effective way of
manipulating, analyzing data and
representing information relative to location
Forms relationships that occur in two/three
dimensional space (spatial relations)
Why do we need to learn it?

Maps can more effectively communicate

information than text or non-spatial graphics

Maps display and store spatial information

Maps can present the results of analyses

They also provide cartographic visualization

Effective communication & presentation of
analyzed results
Displaying and storing
of spatial information
 CARTOGRAPHY TODAY

Society’s demand for cartography today is different

following the computer/electronic revolution;
Maps have not disappeared, but have taken on new forms and
encourage new uses and users
Many new cartographic visualizations
Individual access and use of large spatial databases is common
Dynamic, photorealistic presentations of spatial data with 3D
character is a widespread demand
Demand for larger, faster and less expensive computers, with
efficient algorithms
Inexpensive technology (computer/software) linked over
sophisticated electronic networks enables innovation
Cartographic Visualization
3D Landscape visualization
 DIGITAL CARTOGRAPHY
Digital Cartography is now allowing users to
include more information in visualisation

Increased decision support from 3D

visualization

Mapping process is decentralized

Cartographer’s role now more focused on
spatial analytics as map production is now
becoming open-ended

Concerns will now be raised about

“standards”
 MAP
The graphic representation of the
Geographical Setting

A two dimensional scaled

representation of a planetary surface
(includes onscreen displays)
 Maps
Provides 2 important functions;
Storage medium of (geographic) information

A pictorial representation of the world to assist in

our understanding of the spatial patterns,
relationships, and complexity of the environment
in which we live

Digital cartography is now providing

2 distinct products; each satisfying
the former functions map serve;
Spatial Databases – replacing printed map as
storage medium for geographic information

Cartographic Visualization on different media

displays (online, electronic devices)
 NEED FOR MAPS

Fundamental function of
bringing things into view

Common goal of
communicating spatial
relationships and forms
 NEED FOR MAPS
Is concerned with reducing the spatial characteristics of a
large area – a portion or all of earth

Putting it in map form to make it observable

Map is more than mere reduction – it is a carefully designed

instrument for;

Recording,

Calculating,

Displaying,

Analyzing, and

Understanding of interrelations of things

 VALUE OF MAPS (Denis Woods)
Maps gain their Value in 3 ways;
1. A way of recording and storing information
Governments, businesses, and society at large
must store large quantities of information about
the environment and the location of natural
resources, capital assets and people
2. A means of analyzing locational distribution
and spatial patterns
Recognize spatial distributions and relationships
Visualize spatial distributions and patterns
Conceptualize patterns and processes that
operate through space
VALUE OF MAPS (Denis Woods)

3. A method of presenting information and

communicating findings

Allows one to convey information and

findings that are difficult to express verbally

Can be used to convince or even

propagandize (a short dedicated message)
ROLE OF MAPS (Di Biase’s Model)

VISUAL THINKING VISUAL COMMUNICATION

Exploration

Confirmation

Synthesis

Presentation

PRIVATE REALM PUBLIC REALM

 Maps Basics
Maps tell us:
Where is it?
What is it?
(often) When is it?
What is nearby? How far away? In which
direction? How do I get there?
What other things are there also?
How might they be related?
 Map Basics

Where am I? After James R. Smith, page 46

How far to my destination?
In what direction do I go?
How large?
What shape?
 Map Basics

Basic characteristics of all maps:

Location
Attribution
Reduction of reality
Scale
Geometrical transformation/projection
Abstractions of reality
Symbolism
 Map Basics
Mapping involves information
transformations:
Data collection
Selection
Classification
Simplification
Exaggeration
Symbolization
Use of map
The cartographer's task - explore the ramifications of
each mapping possibility and choose the most
appropriate for the intended task. Who is your
audience?
 Map Basics
Four main cartographic processes:
Collecting and selecting data for mapping

Manipulating and generalizing the data, designing and

constructing the map

Reading or viewing the map

Interpreting the information presented on the map

Skilled cartographers must be familiar with all mapping
activities, including geodesy, surveying, photogrammetry,
remote sensing, GIS.

Skilled cartographers must be familiar with the principals of

human thought and communication.

Skilled cartographers must be familiar with the disciplines

associated with the environmental features being mapped.
 Classification of Maps
Classification of maps:
1. According to Scale
Small scale
Medium scale
Large scale
2. According to Function
General reference maps
Thematic/special purpose maps
Charts
3. According to Subject Matter
Cadastral maps
Plans
Soil, vegetation, precipitation, etc.

The principal task of cartography is to communicate

environmental information. The task of the map designer
is to enhance the map user's ability to retrieve
information.
 Types of Maps and Data
There are traditionally two main types of map and data
categories:
a. General purpose (topographic)
These show the visible features of the landscape such
as relief, water bodies, and roads, e.g. base maps,
relief maps, city maps.

b. Special purpose (thematic)

Emphasis is placed on a particular element
e.g. climate, geology, soils, population density,
industrial production.
CARTOGRAPHIC REPRESENTATION

Principal task of cartography is;

Communicate geographic information

Beautifully – focus of graphic artist

Accurately – focus of surveyor

Main idea is;

Map effectiveness in

Thought &

Communication
 Selection
Classification Simplification

Exaggeration
Symbolization
MAP MAKING

Best Achieved by Task of

Treating the Map Designer
Making & is to
Using MAP EFFECTIVENESS Enhance
of Map Users
Maps Ability to
equally Retrieve
Information
MAP USE
Reading
Analysis

Interpretation