Copyright, 1998-2013 © Qiming Zhou

GEOG1150. Cartography

Nature of CartographyNature of Cartography

Nature of Cartography 2

Forms of representation Need for maps Basic characteristics of maps Purposes maps serve Categories of maps Emphasis on cartographic

representation The scope of cartography

Nature of Cartography

Nature of Cartography 3

Forms of Representation

Literacy - the use of written language Articulacy - the use of spoken

language Numeracy - mathematics: a way of

symbolisation Graphicacy - the use of graphics

"A picture is worth of thousands of words"

Nature of Cartography 4

Hang Seng Index

Nature of Cartography 5

HSI Chart

Nature of Cartography 6

HSI: Analytical Chart (1)

Nature of Cartography 7

HSI: Analytical Chart (2)

Nature of Cartography 8

Spatial Imagery

Map - the graphic representation of the geographical setting.

Cartography is the making and study of maps in all their aspects.

Cartography is an efficient way of manipulating, analysing and expressing ideas, forms and relationships that occur in two- and three-dimensional space.

Nature of Cartography 9

Need for Maps

Reducing the spatial characteristics of a large area and putting it in map form to make it observable.

A map is carefully designed instrument for recording, calculating, displaying, analysing and understanding the interrelation of things.

Its most fundamental function is to bring the things into view.

Nature of Cartography 10

Basic Characteristics of Maps Locations in two-dimensional space Attributes - qualities or magnitudes Examples:

Relationships among locations, e.g. Distance Relationships among various attributes at one

location, e.g. Temperature, rainfall and soil Relationships among the locations of the

attributes of a given distribution, e.g. Rainfall Relationships among the locations of derived

or combined attributes of given distributions, e.g. Relation of GDP and population

Nature of Cartography 11

Basic Characteristics of Maps (Cont.)

All geographical maps are reductions. Scale.

All maps involve geometrical transformations. Map projection.

All maps are abstractions of reality. All maps use signs to stand for

elements of reality. Symbolism.

Nature of Cartography 12

Purposes Maps Serve

Store geographical information. Serve mobility and navigation needs. Analytical purposes, e.g. Measuring

and computing. Summarise statistical data to assist

forecasting and spotting trends. Visualise invisible. Stimulate spatial thinking.

Nature of Cartography 13

Categories of Maps

Classed by scale Small-scale map Large-scale map

Classed by function General reference maps Thematic maps Charts

Classed by subject matter

Nature of Cartography 14

Emphasis on Cartographic Representation The principal task of cartography is to

communicate environmental information. The emphasis on cartographic

representation is map effectiveness in thought and communication.

This is best achieved by treating the making and using of maps equally.

Nature of Cartography 15

The Theme of Map Effectiveness

MapEffectiveness

MapMaking

MapUse

SymbolisationSimplification

Selection

Classification Exaggeration

Analysis

Interpretation

Reading

Nature of Cartography 16

Information Transformation

GeographicalEnvironment

RecognisedGeographicalInformation

MAP MapImage

CensusGround surveyRemote sensingCompilation

SelectionClassificationSimplificationExaggerationSymbolisation

ReadingAnalysisInterpretation

Transform 1

Transform 2

Transform 3

Nature of Cartography 17

The Scope of Cartography

Map Maker

Map User

Data

Map

Nature of Cartography 18

Processes in Cartography

Collecting and selecting the data for mapping

Manipulating and generalising the data, designing and constructing the map

Reading or view the map Responding to or interpreting the

information

Nature of Cartography 19

A Cartographer Must...

Be familiar with all mapping activities (geodesy, surveying, photogrammetry, remote sensing and GIS); and

Know a lot about human thought and communication (cognitive science) and the disciplines associated with the environmental features being mapped.

Nature of Cartography 20

Geographers Are the Primary Users of Maps

EnvironmentalSciences

CognitiveSciences

MappingSciences

MAP