Cartography
Overview
Cartography is the science and art of making maps and charts. More broadly, the term includes all the steps necessary to produce a map: planning, aerial photography, drafting, editing, color separation, and multicolored printing. Modern cartography incorporates digital technologies, GIS, and interactive web mapping.
Key Concepts
Map projection is the mathematical transformation of Earth’s curved surface to a flat plane. Scale is the ratio between map distance and real-world distance. Symbology is the visual representation of features using colors, shapes, and patterns. Generalization is the simplification of features for display at different scales. Typography is the selection and placement of text labels on maps. Visual hierarchy is the arrangement of map elements by importance.
Map Types
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Topographic | Show terrain, elevation, natural features |
| Thematic | Display specific themes (population, climate) |
| Choropleth | Show data values by colored regions |
| Reference | General-purpose navigation and location |
| Cadastral | Property boundaries and ownership |
Appendix
Created: 2025-12-13 | Modified: 2025-12-13