The topographic record of The Netherlands 1800–1992 for sale

Abstract

At the end of the eighteenth century, a large-scale map of the Austrian Netherlands and the Prince-Bishopric of Liège was manufactured, covering more or less the current territory of Belgium. The work for this Carte de Cabinet was carried out by artillerists under the guidance of count Joseph de Ferraris, who was commissioned for the task by the Habsburg government. At the time that the map was designed, no modern legend was included. This paper tries to fill that gap by presenting a legend that was constructed more systematically than any of its predecessors. It is based on the structure of the legend of the Topographic Map of Belgium and the CORINE land cover map, making it an easy-to-use tool for modern researchers. The problems encountered during the development of the legend are described, and the link between the Carte de Cabinet and eighteenth-century French cartography as well as with cartographic manuals is also discussed.     

HEIGHT CONTROL IN AIR-PHOTO SURVEY

Abstract

1. An air-photo survey of part of Southern Palestine was carried out in 1938, both field-work and plotting being executed by the same surveyor, a comparative newcomer to this type of work, who therefore equipped himself with Lieut Salt's valuable book (Professional Papers of the Air Survey Committee, no. 8, 1933) for guidance. The area covered was very broken barren country and the contours became the principal features of the map, so that a great many spot-heights were necessary and certain deviations in detail from the routine laid down in the Paper suggested themselves.     

MAP MAINTENANCE,POLICY AND TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Introduction.—Although much has been written on the various branches of surveying, few text-books do more than give the problem of Map Maintenance a passing mention. It is true that probably the major problem of the surveyor, when considering the world as a whole, is the urgent need of any sort of accurate map for most of its surface, yet at the same time quite considerable areas have already been surveyed, and the maintenance of these areas forms a very formidable problem in itself. Moreover, it is not generally realized that problems of maintenance necessitate a complete reorientation of technical outlook in comparison with questions of an initial survey. Clearly, when maps are being made in the first instance, the primary requirement is an adequate framework, whose main essentials are accuracy; rigidity and permanence. The filling in of the topographical detail and the final reproduction are matters of necessarily secondary importance. Furthermore, as the time required for the field work is large in comparison with the office stages, there is little actual or apparent gain in reducing the time taken on drawing and reproduction. In these circumstances the problem of an initial survey is essentially mathematical in its technique, little attention being required for the final stages of drawing and reproduction, which can be carried out, by craftsmen, at the unhurried pace which it has been their privilege to maintain in the past.     

The Conversion of Aerial Photography to Symbolised Maps

Abstract

The use of the aerial photograph as a basis for a topographic map is currently one of the most interesting developments in cartography. A member of the staff of the Army Map Service, who is primarily concerned with investigations into map design, presents some possible lines of development in this field.     

Why Maps Matter in GIScience

Abstract

This paper is an elaboration of the theses proposed in ‘Cartographic presentation of forms and degradation of the natural environment: sozological map on a scale of 1∶50?000’ (), where a sozological map of Poland was presented. The said map contained comprehensive cartographic information on the forms of environmental protection and degradation, made to a scale of 1∶50?000. The thematic scope of the map has already been modified twice: in 1997 and in 2005, with the ensuing changes presented in corresponding manuals: Sozological Map on a Scale of 1∶50?000, in an Analogue and Digital Form (Chief National Geodesist, 1997) and Technical Guidelines GIS-4. Sozological Map of Poland, Scale of 1∶50?000, in an Analogue and Digital Form (2005). Many years’ worth of experience gained since the launch of this cartographic system points out to the need for broadening the presented content and improving the map’s scale. Thus, attempts have been made at rescaling the map to 1∶10?000. Increasing the degree of detail is particularly necessary for presenting areas of intensive human activity. In this paper, the authors propose technical and graphical solutions for the 1∶10?000 scale.     

Problems of mapping a nature reserve: Aberlady Bay LNR and SSSI

Abstract

A new five-colour map of Aberlady Bay Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest at 1:7,500 scale is published as a loose insert with the June 1993 issue of The Cartographic Journal. This accompanying paper describes the problems of producing the map at minimal cost, considers some of the cartographic issues particular to the site, and provides specification details of the compilation.

Such individual map sheets, which are used for environmental planning, research and teaching, have in the past been produced mainly by universities with the support of conservancy and countryside agencies. Future production costs at universities will inevitably rise although some economies may be possible by the use of digital database methods of cartography.     

AERIAL RECONNAISSANCE FOR TRIANGULATION

Abstract

Since 1929 much of the primary triangulation carried out by the Geodetic Service of Canada has been preceded by an aerial reconnaissance of the areas: during this reconnaissance a tentative selection is made of station sites, and likely lines of sight are indicated. Varied types of topography have been covered—mountainous, rolling, flat wooded, mountain valleys. In most cases there were three common factors: the areas were well watered with lakes and rivers which permitted low flying in safety with pontoonor skii-equipped planes, ground transportation was difficult, and no contour maps existed. In some of the areas existing maps were very incomplete; of a few, reconnaissance aerial maps were available in which the planimetry was good; the better the map the easier the aerial reconnaissance. In all cases it was considered necessary that the air operations be checked by ground visits to the tentatively selected stations.     

基于MAPGIS的地图数字化与地图接边

地图是GIS主要数据源，地图数字化是GIS数据输入的主要手段。分幅数字化常导致数据在接边处不匹配，地图接边是实现数字匹配的重要手段。文中详细了MAPGIS地图数字化输入方法，通过MAPGIS图形变换功能，总结了9幅分幅数字化地图拼接过程，通过MAPGIS图幅接边功能介绍了交互式，全自动，半自动图幅接边操作及如何实现数字接边。     

THE NOMENCLATURE OF MAP PROJECTIONS

Abstract

Map Projections.—A matter that should have been mentioned in the original article under this title (E.S.R., vii, 51, 190) is the definition of a map projection. In the list of carefully worded “Definitions of Terms used in Surveying and Mapping” prepared by the American Society of Photogrammetry (Photogrammetrie Engineering, vol. 8,1942, pp. 247–283), a map projection is defined as “a systematic drawing of lines on a plane surface to represent the parallels of latitude and the meridians of longitude of the earth or a section of the earth”, and most other published works in which a definition appears employ a somewhat similar wording. This, however, is an unnecessary limitation of the term. Many projections are (and all projections can be) plotted from rectangular grid co-ordinates, and meridians and parallels need not be drawn at all; but a map is still on a projection even when a graticule is not shown. Objection could be raised also to the limitation to “plane surface”, since we may speak of the projection of the spheroid upon a sphere, or of the sphere upon a hemisphere. Hence, it is suggested that “any systematic method of representing the whole or a part of the curved surface of the Earth upon another (usually plane) surface” is an adequate definition of a map projection.     

The Future of the International Map

Abstract

Well-established conventions are difficult to challenge, if only because they are so often overlooked. In this paper the basic assumptions of the International Map of the World at 1:1,000,000 are examined by a Professor of Geography of the University of Wisconsin, who is also Director of the University Cartographic Laboratory.     

Investigations into the Use of Dutch Cycling Maps and their Results

Abstract

This article is an updated version of a paper presented by Willemijn Simon van Leeuwen in Keele at the 35th Annual Symposium of the BCS. It reports on successive investigations into the use of recreational cycling maps be the Project Group on Cycling Maps of the Working Group on Map Use of the Netherlands' Cartographic Society. We think these investigations fit well into the tradition fostered by John Keates: practical and applied and centred around the very reasons for map-making. This is demonstrated by the fact that some of the results could immediately be used in some new map series in the Netherlands that are used effectively by recreational cyclists.     

THE TRANSVERSE MERCATOR PROJECTION

Abstract

I. Introduction.—Map projection is a branch of applied mathematics which owes much to J. H. Lambert (v. this Review, i, 2, 91). In his “Beyträge zum Gebrauche der Mathematik und deren Anwendung” (Berlin, 1772) he arrived at a form of projection whereof the Transverse Mercator is a special case, and pointed out that this special case is adapted to a country of great extent in latitude but of small longitudinal width. Germain (“Traité des Projections”, Paris, 1865) described it as the Projection cylindrique orthomorphe de Lambert, but he also introduced the name Projection de Mercator transverse or renversée; he shows that Lambert's treatment of the projection was remarkably simple.     

A NOTE ON THE TRIGONOMETRICAL SURVEY OF SOUTHERN RHODESIA

Abstract

After the completion of Simms's Geodetic Chain in 1901 and the publication of the results in 1905—Volume iii of the Geodetic Survey of South Africa—nothing further of a geodetic nature was done until 1928 when a short chain was run westwards from Simms's chain, at about latitude 17° 10′, to fix the Copper Queen mining area. The Eastern Circuit was commenced shortly after this; it runs from Salisbury eastwards to the Portuguese Boundary, southwards through Umtali to about latitude 20° and then westwards, joining Simms's chain again to the east of Bulawayo. Another chain running north from Simms's work has been commenced near Bulawayo. The several series are exhibited on the outline map attached.     

THE EARLY HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYS OF THE BRITISH ISLES

Abstract

The 200th anniversary of the publication by Murdoch Mackenzie (Senior) in May 1750 of his “Orcades, or a Geographic and Hydrographic Survey of the Orkney and Lewis Islands, in 8 maps”, is an opportune moment for a brief résumé of the contribution made by Mackenzie and his successors in the field of nautical surveying. The appearance of this work ushered in a new era in marine survey, for it was the first charting carried out in this country based on a rigid triangulation framework. The importance of this fact can further be appreciated when it is remembered that a contemporary topographic map like General Roys' famous “Map of the Highlands” begun in 1747 was little more than an elaborate compass sketch; thus under Mackenzie's influence, marine surveying at this period was ahead of its topographic counterpart.     

A Study of the Local Geometric Accuracy of Count de Ferraris's Carte de cabinet (1770s) Using Differential Distortion Analysis

The eighteenth century Carte de cabinet of count de Ferraris is the first large-scale (1:11?520) topographic map of the entire Belgian territory, making it a valuable source of historical information. In the past, a number of studies have tried to assess the geometric accuracy of this map, but they all suffer from restricted technical capabilities for computing and visualizing the distortions, and most of them only focus on a limited number of the 275 map sheets. This paper therefore seeks to provide the first systematic and in-depth investigation of the map’s local geometric accuracy. Recently, two Belgian government agencies georeferenced the Flemish and Walloon part of the Carte de cabinet with a high level of detail, using some 30,000 ground control points to link the old map to the modern topographic map of Belgium. These data sets represent a new and unprecedented potential source of accuracy information. However, the high number of control points and our desire to compute distortions in an exact, local, quantitative and continuous way meant prominent techniques for studying the geometric accuracy of old maps, such as displacement vectors, distortion grids, triangular nets and the popular MapAnalyst software, were unsuited for this task. To meet all our requirements a new technique called Differential Distortion Analysis, which is influenced by the treatment of distortions in map projection theory, was used instead. Its advantages, structure and application to the Carte de cabinet are discussed in detail. The new technique allows calculating and displaying the map’s local angular and surface distortions with a very high spatial resolution. Consequently, it was possible to identify trends in the obtained levels of accuracy and to relate these to historical facts about the Carte de cabinet’s production process. This has resulted in important new insights into the map’s geometric accuracy.     

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.     

An Ontology of the Submarine Relief for Analysis and Representation on Nautical Charts

Abstract

A nautical chart is a kind of map used to describe the seafloor morphology and shoreline of adjacent lands. One of its main purposes is to guarantee safety of navigation. As a consequence, the construction of a nautical chart follows very specific rules. The cartographer has to select and highlight undersea features according to their relevance to navigation. In an automated process, the system must be able to identify and classify these features from the terrain model. This paper aims therefore to define ontologies of the submarine relief and nautical chart that will be at the root of a model-oriented generalization process. To the best of our knowledge, no ontology has been defined to formalize the geographical and cartographic objects for nautical chart representation. Thus, a bottom-up approach was developed to extract and model knowledge derived from standards established by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and cartographers’ expertise. The submarine relief ontology formalizes undersea features describing the submarine relief. Four concepts (composition, morphometric class, shape value and depth value) are introduced to describe properties and relationships between undersea features. The cartographic representation ontology of nautical charts will define several concepts (chart, features, isobathymetric lines and soundings) for the representation of undersea features on the chart.     

Searching for the ‘Right’ Legend: The Impact of Legend Position on Legend Decoding in a Cartographic Memory Task

ABSTRACT

Map legends are key elements of thematic maps and cartographic communication. The question of how to style map legends is a topic which has often been addressed by cartographic academics and practitioners. Nevertheless, the question of where to position a map legend has only hardly been discussed. Principles of cognitive sciences allow the assumption that a legend positioned to the right of a map field can be read and decoded faster than a legend on the left side. This study investigates the impact of legend positioning on legend decoding. It involves an experiment based on a recognition memory paradigm and the registration of eye-movements. The results show that, in less time, a legend positioned to the right of the map field (compared to a left legend) can be decoded faster. The same accuracy of a cognitive representation of geographic space can be achieved in spatial memory.