Recent Literature - Bookcase

Abstract

A map has long been considered to be a legitimate communication medium, made by the cartographer for different map users. Valuable contributions to the scientific fundamentals of cartography should be expected from the critical investigation of communication aspects of the map, particularly map signs. This article first attempts to analyse the signs used in cartographic communication from the point of view of semiotics - especially semantics - then redefines the map, our communication tool, under its ascertained characteristics.     

A Cartographer,Shaped by Context and Challenged by Classics

Abstract

Using examples from the governmental, commercial and educational sectors, the development of photo maps and mapping using satellite imagery is outlined. The emphasis of this paper is on the design possibilities and limitations which are evident in these products. Contrast and legibility problems and image clutter are considered, but it is concluded that the institutional impediments to the collaboration of specialists in researching and designing such maps may be of most importance in determining progress in the use of such maps.     

Cartography: Making Sense of Our Worlds

Abstract

One goal of cartographic research is to improve the usefulness of maps. To do so, we must consider the process of spatial knowledge acquisition, the role of maps in that process, and the content of cognitive representations derived. Research from psychology, geography, and other disciplines related to these issues is reviewed. This review is used to suggest potential new directions for research with particular attention to spatial problem solving and geographic instruction. A classroom experiment related to these issues is then described. The experiment highlights some of the implications that a concern for the process of spatial knowledge acquisition will have on questions and methods of cartographic research as well as on the use of maps in geographic instruction. It also provides evidence of independent but interrelated verbal and spatial components of regional images that can be altered by directed map work.     

Assessing the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Map Colour for Colour Impairments Using an Eye-tracking Approach

Colour impairments influences access to geographical information which is usually represented by colour maps. Three dimensions of colour: Hue, Saturation and Value (HSV), are intuitive and most critical visual variables in map design. In this paper, we specifically focus on colour deficiency of red-green colour impairments. A controlled experiment was designed and conducted to explore how three colour dimensions (HSV) affect the abilities of people with normal colour vision or with red-green colour impairments to distinguish colours in maps. An eye-tracking approach was applied to quantify the accuracy and response time by capturing user eye movements to analyse the effectiveness and efficiency. In this study, we used one section of the administrative map of Hebei Province to test participant responses to area features. Differences of effectiveness and efficiency across normal colour vision and red-green colour impairments were compared. Multiple comparisons among Hue, Saturation and Value were analysed. Results show that for both normal colour vision and red-green colour impairments, Hue is the most differentiable than Saturation and Value. Saturation and Value are at the same level to be differentiated and more difficult to be distinguished. Guidelines of designing maps for both normal colour vision and red-green colour impairments were derived. The results of this study can be helpful to improve the map designs for colour deficiency.     

KOMPLOT "Do-it-yourself" Computer Cartography

Abstract

After describing the changes which program packages, such as SYMAP, can make to the production of thematic maps the author briefly considers the aesthetics of computer graphics. The simplicity and versatility of KOMPLOT are then discussed with the aim of bringing computer aided cartography to a wider field of users.     

Orienteering mapping and higher education

Abstract

The sport of orienteering relies on good quality accurate mapping which reflects the intricate detail of landscapes which are navigated across, on foot, by enthusiastic and experienced competitors of all ages. As a central component of the sport, therefore, mapping has assumed a prominent role in the thinking behind 'The Forward Plan', a study promoted by the British Orienteering Federation (BOP) and sponsored by the English Sports Council. The mapping component of 'The Forward Plan' suggests that extending awareness of mapping and encouraging technical skills are vital steps. The role of institutes of higher education (universities, polytechnics, colleges) in these areas is examined in this paper. The objective is to determine to what extent tertiary educational establishments can assist, in a non-commercial manner, in increasing production and improving standards of orienteering mapping.     

The enduring image of early British townscapes

Abstract

It has long been recognised that the earliest cartographic images of British towns enjoyed a long life through the re-use and adaptation of copper plates and through plagiarism. However, the precise nature of the complex relationship between various images has remained unclear and it is, therefore, necessary to try to unravel exactly which plates were adapted and re-used and who copied who and when.     

Primitive-based Construction Theory for Diagrams in Thematic Maps

Abstract

To enhance the variety of map symbols and to develop new symbol types, a fundamental understanding of the map symbol construction process is mandatory. Current construction theories focus on diagrams without taking georeferencing or interactivity into account. This paper presents a new methodology for the creation of two-dimensional geometric symbols and diagrams for the application in thematic maps. In this context, 49 diagrams found in cartographic literature were analysed and classified regarding their construction properties. As a result of this research, diagrams can be defined using cartographic primitives which are arranged according to six arrangement principles. Since the variation of the primitive's size according to the data values follows a certain geometric direction, each diagram can be explicitly defined based on the three construction properties 'primitive', 'arrangement principle' and 'data direction'.     

German Maps and Survey on the Western Front, 1914–1918

Abstract

Fighting the 1914–18 war largely on enemy territory in both the east and the west, German was at a disadvantage compared to the Allies when it came to survey and mapping as it did have access to much of the geodetic, topographic and cartographic data, relating to this terrain, necessary for modern warfare — in particular for artillery survey. German and Austria did, however, have a commanding lead in terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry, and the latter was to prove crucial in the production of accurate large-scale maps of enemy and occupied territory. Despite strong forces of conservatism in the high and field commands and in the artillery and military survey organizations, new air survey methods based on the photogoniometer and radial triangulation were rapidly developed. Through continual laboratory and field experimentation and testing, German was to increase her lead in aerial photogrammetry, and by the end of the war had not only set up a completely new air survey organization but was developing a new generation of optical-mechanical stereoplotting instruments of great precision. German progress was not, however, evident in all fields of military survey, and this paper examines the approaches taken by German to survey and mapping on the Western Front, and briefly compares and contrasts them with those of the Allies.