Cartography

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Cartography

Cartography (/kɑːrˈtɒɡrəfi/; from Greek χάρτης chartēs, "papyrus, sheet of paper, map"; and γράφειν graphein, "write") is the study and practice of making maps. Combining science, aesthetics, and technique, cartography builds on the premise that reality can be modeled in ways that communicate spatial information effectively.

The fundamental problems of traditional cartography are to:

  • Set the map's agenda and select traits of the object to be mapped. This is the concern of map editing. Traits may be physical, such as roads or land masses, or may be abstract, such as toponyms or political boundaries.
  • Represent the terrain of the mapped object on flat media. This is the concern of map projections.
  • Eliminate characteristics of the mapped object that are not relevant to the map's purpose. This is the concern of generalization.
  • Reduce the complexity of the characteristics that will be mapped. This is also the concern of generalization.
  • Orchestrate the elements of the map to best convey its message to its audience. This is the concern of map design.

Etymology

The word "cartography" is derived from the Greek words "chartēs" meaning "papyrus, sheet of paper, map" and "graphein" meaning "write". The term was first used in the 19th century and has been defined as "the discipline dealing with the conception, production, dissemination and study of maps".

Related Terms

  • Map: A symbolic depiction emphasizing relationships between elements of some space, such as objects, regions, or themes.
  • Topography: Detailed mapping or charting of the features of a relatively small area, district, or locality.
  • Geography: The study of places and the relationships between people and their environments.
  • GIS (Geographic Information System): A system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data.
  • Map Projection: A way to flatten a globe's surface into a plane in order to make a map.
  • Toponymy: The study of place names (toponyms), their origins, meanings, use, and typology.

External links

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