The lay of the language: surveying the cartographic characteristics of language maps

Although visible in research in the 1980s and 1990s, works concerning language-mapping issues are recently rather absent. This is an unfortunate oversight given current GIS capability and its potential to tackle visualization issues that were previously simply acknowledged and accepted. Given that there are no established guidelines for language map construction, this work aims to renew attention to language mapping, beginning with a survey documenting the characteristics of published language maps. The survey components address the problematic aspects described in the literature, such as boundary representation and depicting linguistic diversity, and reveal their usage and frequency. The noted map characteristics include, but are not limited to: publication type, publication year, coverage area, language data or variable used, and symbology details. For consistent classification, we use a language-map symbology classification scheme found in previous research. In general, chorochromatic maps using polygonal map units dominate our survey. We also find further evidence supporting the problems outlined in language mapping literature with the widespread use of solid-line boundaries and depiction of only one language or feature per place. However, we also note some unique strategies used for handling uncertainty and linguistic plurality. Observations of tactics not captured by the existing 20-year-old typology lead us to create an updated language map symbology typology consistent with the trends observed in our survey. Overall, we document language mapping strategies in practice and provide direction for future research by highlighting the pros and cons of current cartographic approaches for depicting language.     

地形图符号的语言学特征

语言学模型在空间信息中的运用是近年来相关理论界讨论的一个重要问题。在分析了大比例尺地形图符号的几何构成及符号间的几何和语义关系的基础上,把地形图符号系统作为一种二维图形语言,将语言学的方法和理论应用到地图语言中。分析了地形图符号的特点,研究地形图符号的内部结构以及构造规则,讨论了地形图符号的语音和语义结构。     

后现代哲学视野下的微地图

在现代到后现代社会的转变过程中, 人类的信息传播模式进入自媒体时代, 在地图上表现为制图用户向大众或地图爱好者转移, 地图的精确性不高、表达方式多样化。微地图是其中的一种, 旨在改善传统地图表达和大众地理空间认知的矛盾, 改进自媒体时代地图用户的主观信息表达, 突破传统地图仅从有限、规范化的角度和维度对地理事物和现象进行表达的局限。首先, 针对微地图的3个特点, 在后现代哲学的视角下分析其产生的原因并给予解释; 然后, 利用认知语言学的体验人本观、原型范畴论和去中心论等后现代哲学方法论, 对传统地图的空间认知、信息分类、制图表达等基础问题进行批判性分析和重构, 形成具有后现代哲学特点的微地图概念框架;最后, 通过实验验证了微地图存在的可能性及其后现代属性。     

Influence of Adoptment of Geocentric 3D Coordinate System on Chinese Existent Maps

If a geocentric 3D coordinate system is adopted in China to replace 2D non-geocentric coordinate system, the coordinates of the surface points will be changed accordingly. The influences on the current maps of China, especially the topographic maps, are discussed due to the replacement of the coordinate systems. Taking the replacement of Xi‘an 80 coordinate system by GRS80 for a numerical example, this paper analyzes the changes of latitude, longitude, Gauss plane coordinates of the surface points, as well as the orientation and the length changes between the points on the map, including the changes of map border lines and sheet corner points.     

论ICT时代的泛地图表达

信息通信技术的发展,赋予了地图表达极大的自由度,地图学的复兴促进了泛地图的发展。本文系统分析了地图定义的演变,适时论述了泛地图的概念,将传统的标准地图与各种创新形式的类地图纳入统一的泛地图框架下,提出并剖析了泛地图表达的标准地图、写实地图和写意地图分类体系,讨论了泛地图类型、风格化、连续性表示对泛地图表达的作用。     

A CONCEPT FOR THE MAPPING OF MULTI-STATE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS

The paper investigates the use of maps in obtaining, based on the cartometric and geographic analysis of form, information about the content of multi-state social and economic systems. Examples of specially compiled maps of multi-state systems are described and various considerations in map design and compilation are discussed: scale selection, identification of typologies and design of map legends, principles for the location of geographic features on the map, and stages in cartographic research and mapping of multi-state systems. Translated by H. L. Haslett, Leamington Spa, UK from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1990, No. 3, pp. 98–103.     

ON THE ESSENCE OF THE LANGUAGE OF THE MAP

The author continues development of his concept of cartography as the “language of the map,” an earlier paper of this subject appearing in translation in M.S.R.S., 1985, No. 1. Although the term language has been widely used to describe cartographic communication, current theory fails to incorporate aspects of the language which provide for a comprehensive understanding of its structure and function. In particular, the language of the map and its symbolic elements cannot be explained reflexively by methods and rules of symbol and map design, since these elements were developed not before but after the existence of the language. The language of the map thus is proposed as the mechanism which provides for replicability or duplication in the way a system of mapmaking-map use functions (under diverse conditions, purposes, historical periods, and levels of training of users) through its different methods, models, and norms. Translated from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1985, No. 3, pp. 142-151.     

移动地图制图的句法模型

采用形式语言的方法,研究了移动地图制图的句法模型。剖析了移动地图制图的过程,将句法模型定位在制图的逻辑演算层面;结合地图表达的层次性和递归性特征,将移动地图制图的句法结构抽象为"制图词汇+句法规则"的最简形式。在制图词汇方面,建立了制图词汇的分类体系,并重点对空间关系谓词系统进行了建模;在句法规则方面,描述了句法操作规则和不同层次的句法单位描述规则。探讨了句法模型的编译流程和关键技术,并通过试验对移动地图制图句法模型的可行性进行了验证。句法模型的本质是一种使用有限规则和词汇动态生成不同地图表达形式的形式语言语法,可作为一种高阶的人机交互制图接口。     

The Map of Tlacotalpa by Francisco Gali, 1580: An Early Example of a Local Coastal Chart in Spanish America

In the last third of the sixteenth century, the Spanish Crown launched a project to create a map of the New World. Regional maps would be obtained, which, referenced through a system of meridians and parallel arcs, would comprise a complete map of the continent. The mechanism devised for this purpose was that of surveys, known as the Relaciones Geográficas (Geographic Relations). Each town would be sent a questionnaire with more than 50 questions that should also be completed with a map of the region. The majority of these maps, known as pinturas, lacked field measurements, and therefore also lacked both scale and geographical coordinates. Only a few cases were created following the standards of European cartography. Among these are the maps made by Francisco Gali. In this paper, we study the map of Tlacotalpa, one of the first examples of local nautical charting in Latin America.     

Towards Better WMS Maps Through the Use of the Styled Layer Descriptor and Cartographic Conflict Resolution for Linear Features

Abstract

Mercator depicted Croatia on several general maps. In accordance with the level of geographical knowledge, map scales and technical possibilities of the time, Mercator provided a relatively detailed depiction of basic geographical features on these maps. His interest in mapping Croatia was probably motivated by the fact that the Venetian Republic, the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire had fought over this area in the sixteenth century, contributing to the fragmentation of the medieval Croatian State, while at the same time facilitating economic, religious, linguistic, artistic and scientific communication between Central, South East and Mediterranean Europe. Mercator paid special attention to toponyms that enabled geographical objects to be identified and the decoding of cartographic contents. Research into Mercator’s maps has shown that geographical names, among other things, clearly indicate the sources of spatial data that he used. Additionally, geographical names on Mercator’s maps are significant indicators of the linguistic and cultural contacts that were particularly prominent in border areas, for example, along the eastern Adriatic coast, or the courses of the Danube, Sava and Drava.     

An atlas of Northamptonshire the medieval and early-modern landscape

National Geographic Society (NGS) has made several changes throughout the years in their choice of map projection for their world reference maps. The Van der Crinten I map projection was used from 1922 to 1988. Then, in 1988, it was replaced by the Robinson projection. Beginning in 1998, the Winkel Tripel became the map projection of choice for NCS' world maps. Given this change, cartographers and others who make maps may be interested in using the Winkel Tripel for custom applications. The goal of this paper is to show how Winkel Tripel's complex projection equations can be programmed using Visual Basic. Those who use other languages such as C++ can use this programming example to help them create a similar algorithm in their language of choice.     

THEMATIC MAPPING OF PLANETS: CURRENT SITUATION AND PROSPECTS

Principles and objectives governing Soviet thematic mapping of nearby planets are outlined, types of information sources for such mapping categorized, and the suitability of different types of information sources for thematic mapping are evaluated. This is followed by a classification of thematic planetary maps according to type. The need for a standardized, systems approach to the determination of map scales, compilation and generalization, symbolization, and map design is emphasized as an essential prerequisite for the development of complex atlases of individual planets, atlases of “comparative planetology,” and the establishment of “planetary information systems.” Translated by Jay Mitchell; PlanEcon, Inc.; Washington, DC 20005 from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1987, No. 6, pp. 60-67.     

基于描述逻辑的地图语义模型初步研究

为了研究地图的形式化语义表达问题,将语言学的理论和方法应用到地图领域,把地图符号系统作为一种二维图形语言,在分析地图语言的基本语言单位、语法规则和语义规则的基础上,采用扩展的描述逻辑AL-CRP(D),建立了地图语义模型。模型能完备地表达地图语言的语义,为用逻辑方法研究地图信息提供了借鉴意义。     

From historical map to online 3D recreation: the 1861 cadastral map of Horta (Barcelona)

The recent study and classification of over 200 cadastral maps created in the nineteenth century in Catalonia have provided a valuable source of information about the agricultural landscape country’s past, but by linking them with data recorded in tax books known as amillaramientos, it is possible to gain a better knowledge of the past. By applying this method to the 1861 cadastral map of Horta and its corresponding amillaramiento, a planimetric map showing the land use distribution in the town was created. The resulting land use map was subsequently overlaid on top of a digital elevation model to create 3D visualizations which show the altitudinal distribution of crops and other features. Finally, the article explores a way of distributing the results online, making them accessible to the public and increasing the research impact of future findings. Therefore, the method described in this article allows the systematic recreation and distribution of past landscapes by using Catalan cadastral maps of the nineteenth century, something which can help enrich the scientific knowledge of many disciplines.     

大数据智能时代地图学课程内容改革探索

为了适应当前智能时代大数据的特点和地图应用的发展,本文结合当前地图学课程内容设置现状,分析在大数据时代地图学教学的特点,多源地理信息的参考体系差异、多维度地理信息高效可视化、多尺度表达的灵性化、地图用户需求的多样化等对地图学教学提出的新要求,在此基础上,结合地图学课程教学的理论与实践目标,提出在地图数学基础、地图可视化技术、地图综合和地图分析等进行课程教学内容改革的主要思路,增设新型坐标系知识、多维动态可视化技术、地图应需综合的多尺度表达方法、全息地图理论等主要知识点,并给出了课程实验教学改革的设计。     

Satellite data and geographic information systems for fire and resource management in the Canadian arctic

Abstract

A method of analyzing remotely sensed data, a geographic information system, and an intelligent fire management system have been developed to provide integrated resource data for fire and other resources management. Natural and cultural features were digitized from 1:50,000 topographic maps using a geographic information system (GIS) to cover the 29 communities below the tree line in the western Canadian Arctic. Landsat Thematic Mapper data covering the same area were classified into land cover or fuel types. Detailed information on each fire such as location, area burned, date of discovery, fire number, fire zone, fire class and source of ignition was obtained and added to each map sheet as attribute data. A generalized vegetation cover map using NOAA AVHRR data was also obtained. The Intelligent Fire Management Information System (IFMIS) integrates relational data bases, geographic information display, and expert systems. It also has a spatial analysis procedure for forest fire preparedness planning. Linking the weather to the forest fuels through the Fire Weather Index system (FWI) and the Fire Behaviour Prediction System (FBPS), fire danger and fire behaviour are calculated and displayed, cell‐by‐cell. Values‐at‐risk and fire suppression resources are used in the dispatching and planning component of the system. The planning component allows the user to evaluate the coverage of fire suppression resources under the prevalent forecast fire behaviour conditions. Through the integration of data from the above systems, a set of maps were created which were used to analyze fire behaviour potential, identify fire hazards, and provide a basis for settlement protection strategies within the context of other land use activities such as wildlife harvesting and recreational activities.     

Mapping the London 2012 Olympics

Abstract

The London 2012 Olympic Games was a true spectacle of sporting achievement. It also provided the impetus for official organisations, news media and individuals to turn the vast amount of data into map form. This paper provides an outline of some of the cartographic highlights (and one or two lowlights) that the Olympics inspired. There were some great maps on view and also some interesting trends emerging, particularly in terms of web maps and web maps used as infographics. In particular, the Dorling cartogram saw widespread use, particularly to map medal tallies by online news media.     

智能高精地图数据逻辑结构与关键技术

以车辆自动驾驶、无人驾驶为研究对象,讨论定义了智能高精地图,认为智能高精地图作为未来出行的关键一环,是交通资源全时空实时感知的载体和交通工具全过程运行管控的依据。智能高精地图作为一种全新的地图形式,与传统导航电子地图相比,在地图学理论和应用需求等方面有其鲜明特点。为推动智能高精地图研究与应用进展,需要对其关键特征与问题展开分析讨论。本文从地图学理论上提出智能高精地图信息传输模型;从实际应用上结合轮式机器人自主智能控制流程,提出智能高精地图数据逻辑结构,并分析其在自动驾驶中的应用;从计算模式上总结“众包+边云协同计算”计算模式,并针对如何提高众包数据质量的问题,开展关键技术分析;从应用场景上分析未来智能高精地图的有效应用场景;最后提出对本领域未来发展的一些思考与建议。     

基于SVG的电子交通图的设计与实现

SVG是一种使用XML来描述二维图形及其应用的语言,同时它还是一种矢量图形格式,对网络环境下矢量地图数据的共享与传播具有重要意义。本文首先分析了常见的WebGIS平台,然后采用Illustrator组织和生成交通地图数据,最后采用B/S架构,基于SVG,JavaScript设计和实现了电子交通图系统并在IIS中实现了系统的发布,解决了传统电子交通图包含的信息量有限、交互性较差、表现能力不强等问题。     

Evaluating the Efficiency of Typographic Design: Gender and Expertise Variation

Abstract

Although the efficiency of label placement algorithms has been studied extensively, few studies considered the influence of the label designs on the efficiency of map readers. Labels are one of the most important elements on the map as they can provide more information than other symbols can. The design of the labels does have to stress the theme, shape and functionality of the associated objects, which results in a more efficient interpretation of the map content by the user. How the label designs can enhance the map readers’ efficiency (and thus the quality of the maps themselves) is the main objective of this study. A user study was conducted in which the participants were asked to locate a target label on a map. Different label designs were implemented across the trials. The participants’ reactions times were registered to measure their efficiency and statistically analysed using a one-way ANOVA. Two different users’ characteristics were considered: gender and expertise. Related to the size, shape, orientation and texture of the labels, a number of significant differences (P<0·05) and trends were located. Differences in efficiency between males and females, on the one hand, and between novices and experts, on the other hand, were also described statistically. Consequently, recommendations can be formulated regarding the design of labels in order to obtain more efficient maps, keeping in mind the map users’ characteristics.