CARTOGRAPHY I

Lesson 1

By Mwaura Joshua | @openmapsCo on Twitter

Course outline

  • Fundamentals: Definitions, map scales, text placements, conventional symbols & signs
  • Types of maps & plans: topographical, thematic, cadastral, sectional property plans, political, engineering, architectural, etc
  • Map layout design, Cartographic process & communication
  • Map interpretation: Properties of map scales, grids & graticule, projection, bearings, distances, areas, marginal information
  • Relief: representation, interpretation, drainage, Land use

Repo https://omaps.bitbucket.io/

Lesson 1: Fundamentals

Cartography | Introduction

  • In our society there is need to analyse & represent data in their spatial relationship
  • Maps are still the best means to represent spatial relationships
  • Cartography is not only a profession dealing with technical aspects of map-making
  • The core of cartography lies in the contents, purpose & the use of the final product
  • Cartography is engaged with the manipulation & graphic visualisation of data in their geometrical relation

Map-making vs Cartography

  • Map making or production involves data management;
    1. collection
    2. comparison
    3. manipulation
    4. analysis
  • Cartography is the formal study of maps (central intellectual unit) & making of maps in all their aspects
  • Cartography thus includes;
    1. making maps
    2. teaching mapping skills
    3. maintaining map collections
    4. studying the history of maps
    5. etc.

Desktop Cartography

  • The concept refers to the digital production of maps using computers
    • The data is often derived from a GIS, because many GIS software produces crude maps
  • For more “sophisticated“ or “good“ products, export GIS-data to a (carto)graphic software
  • All production stages can be executed at the top of the desk hence the name desktop cartography

What is a map?

  • A graphic depiction of all or part of a geographic realm in which the real-world features have been replaced by symbols in their correct spatial location at a reduced scale (Clarke, 2001)
  • Forms of maps;
    1. Mental maps
    2. Virtual maps e.g. digital forms
    3. Real maps e.g. globe, aerial photos or satellite images

Map vs Sketch

  • To draw a map;
    1. A system of map projections
    2. A scale
    3. A symbols
  • A map is a selective, symbolised & generalised representation of whole or a part of the earth's surface on a plane surface at a reduced scale
  • Sketch (no scale, no projections)

Definitions

  • Cadastral map: A large-scale map drawn at a scale of 1:500 to 1:4000 to show property boundaries, designating each parcel of land with a number
  • Cartography: Art, science and technology of making maps, charts, plans and other modes of graphical expression as well as their study and use
  • Map generalisation: A simplified representation of the features on the map, appropriate to its scale or purpose, without affecting their visual form
  • Geoid: A group of maps produced at same scale, style and specifications for a country or a region

More Definitions

  • Map series: A group of maps produced at same scale, style and specifications for a country or a region
  • Map projection: The system of the transformation of the spherical surface onto a plane surface
  • Scale: The ratio between the distances of two points on the map, plan or photograph and the actual distance between the same two points on the ground
  • Sketch plan: A simplified map drawn freehand which fails to preserve the true scale or orientation

Cartographic Basics [1]

  • Maps perform two important functions;
    1. Storage medium for information
    2. Provides a picture of the world to help understand; spatial patterns, spatial relationships, environmental complexity
  • Maps tell us;
    1. Where/what/when it is?
    2. What is nearby?, How far away?, In which direction?
    3. How might they be related?, How do I get there?

Cartographic Basics [2]

  • Basic characteristics of all maps;
    1. Location
    2. Attribution
    3. Reduction of reality
    4. Scale
    5. Geometrical transformation/projection
    6. Abstractions of reality
    7. Symbolism

--End of Lecture 1--

That’s it!

Queries about this Lesson, please send them to: jmwaura.uni@gmail.com

***References***

  • Mapping, Society, and Technology, Steven Manson
  • Web Cartography, Map Design for Interactive and Mobile Devices, Ian Muehlenhaus
  • Web Cartography, Menno-Jan Kraak and Allan Brown, ITC
  • Cartography, Thematic Map Design, Borden D. Dent
  • GIS Cartography, A Guide to Effective Map Design, Gretchen N. Peterson
  • Thematic Cartography and Geovisualization, Terry A. Slocum et.al
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