The National Archives and Public Records

Abstract

The article provides an overview of the huge cartographic holdings of The National Archives (TNA). It continues by outlining the procedures by which records are selected for permanent preservation by TNA.     

Reflection on the development of the tool kits of Bertin’s methods

ABSTRACT

Bertin’s first book, Semiology of Graphics, was published in 1967. His second book, Graphics and Graphic Information Processing, was subsequently published in 1977. The word “processing” in the title of the second book is interesting because in those days there were no personal computers with an interactive display system. But in Bertin’s laboratory there were many kinds of tool kits – basically manually developed thematic maps and data analysis. Bertin’s methods were concerned with making a thematic map and data visualization. Maps, and more generally graphics, were represented by sets of cartographic symbols. Thus, they are abstractions that demand both theoretical and technical literacy to represent and understand them. If the representation is systematic, a sort of tool kit might be necessary, because the representation demands consistency based on the theory. Otherwise a cartographer faces the risk of an unstable and unintelligible representation. In this paper, we discuss the discrimination between tool kits intended either for an automated system or a process assisting system. The latter process might be useful and necessary to develop a graphic way of thinking. This investigation refers to Bertin’s books, materials conserved at the National Archives in Paris, and other related software developed later.

Abbreviation: EHESS: Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales inherited Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes since 1975     

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.     

Specialist Maps of the Channel Islands Prepared by German Military Geologists during the Second World War: German Expertise Deployed on British Terrain

Abstract

During the German occupation of the Channel Islands, military geologists produced specialist maps to support their development as part of the Atlantic Wall: the line of fortifications marking the western boundary of German-occupied Europe. For Jersey, maps showed features of groundwater and quarry sites for building materials, primarily at a scale of 1 : 25 000. For Guernsey, maps at this scale were prepared to depict bedrock and superficial geology, and also maps which showed sites for building materials, water supply and features of military geology. For Alderney, maps at 1 : 10 000 showed bedrock geology, water supply, building materials plus tunnelling conditions, and military geology. Only a few contemporary copies of these maps were produced, hand-drawn upon printed topographical base-maps. Some are now preserved in Germany at the Bundesarchiv-Militärarchiv, others in the USA at the National Archives and Records Administration. They include the only military geology maps, the earliest large-scale groundwater maps and arguably the earliest large-scale building resources maps, for any part of the British Isles.     

Mapping for Cycle Touring in Britain; Past,Present, and a Possible Future

Abstract

The Lack hitherto of studies of cycle-touring mapping in Britain is noted, and some basic attributes of cycle touring, including speed, daily distance, gradients and wind, are described. Essential and desirable qualities for a cycle-touring map are enumerated, including the need to depict all rural routes available to cyclists; it is concluded that the optimum scale is in the range 1:100 000–1:126 720, and that relief should by contours at an interval not greater than 30 metres. National mapping in the optimum scale range which were published after 1945 are then reviewed, and reasons suggested as to why none has been kept in print. The mapping available for cycle touring in Britain in 2001 is Ordnance Survey (OS) 1:50 000 Landranger series contains all the necessary information, it is too bulky to be suitable; and that most of the other maps published in the optimum scale range have inadequate relief information and all offer very limited geographical cover. The potential competition for the OS 1:50 000 from a national map series in the optimum scale range is acknowledged, and an outline specification for a 1:125 000 series is described, which seeks to minimize that competiton whilst providing all the necessary information for cycle touring.     

Cartographic Activity in Great Britain 1961-64

Abstract

The following extract from “Report No. 2 on Cartographic Activity in Great Britain” is published with the kind permission of the Royal Society. The report has been prepared by the Cartography Sub-Committee of the British National Committee for Geography, and is to be presented to the delegates attending the Second General Assembly of the International Cartographic Association, July, 1964. It covers the period 1961 to 1964. Part I only is reproduced here: Part II covers some recent technical developments; and Part III gives details of the map production of the principal mapping organisations and firms in the country. Any enquiries about the Report should be addressed to the Executive Secretary, The Royal Society, Burlington House, London, W.1.     

A SEMI-GRAPHIC CONSTRUCTION FOR THE CONICAL ORTHOMORPHIC PROJECTION WITH ONE STANDARD PARALLELt

Abstract

The advantages of orthomorphic projections for topographical maps, whether for civil or military uses, have been increasingly realised in recent years. This has led to their gradual adoption as bases for map series by the leading countries, the conical type having been adopted in France for the new 1 : 50,000 maps, in Canada for the National Defence maps and in Britain by the Directorate of Military Survey for some useful European series. Appreciation of the nature and properties of graticules can best be achieved through an understanding of the theory of the projection system, whether the exposition be mathematically or partly graphically developed. Whereas the cylindrical and zenithal types of the orthomorphic projections have some explanation in graphical form there has been no comparable alternative to the difficult mathematical treatment of the conical type. The semi-graphic method presented here has been developed to contribute towards such a graphical exposition and in its method demands only a modest mathematical ability.     

Recent Literature - Bookcase

Abstract

Why should a specialist sport require a map of its own? Trout fishing is not dependent on map use, but a carefully researched and presented map is a useful addition to the angler's tackle bag. The sport does not require the absolute planimetric accuracy of, say, an orienteering map, but careful research and selection of features is just as important. What information is essential to the angler and what is helpful? What is background information; and what, if anything, should be left off?     

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.     

'Be Map Aware: Cutting-edge…Not Close to the Edge'

Abstract

An assessment is made of the accuracy of the map and written survey, which is essentially a list of land-holders and the areas held by each, and of their mutual consistency. The geometry of the map is compared quantitatively with that of the first edition (1852) Ordnance Survey 6-inch (1 : 10 560) map. The Saxton map is found to have a scale of 1 : 5140, leading to the conclusion that the perch used in the scale bar represents 7¹/₉ yards or thereabouts. The areas quoted in the written survey are consistent with acres based on this value. The positional accuracy of points on the map is found to be ～20 m, and areas of typical plots determined from the map are uncertain by between about 4 and 12%. The relationship between these two facts can be understood through a detailed study of the statistics of the errors in separations of points on the map. The written survey is found to omit a substantial number of plots of land from its listings. The map thus appears to be more reliable overall than the written survey.     

Mastering the Niger. James MacQueen’s African Geography and the Struggle Over Atlantic Slavery

Abstract

Since the publication of the first waterway map in 1990, the Inland Waterways of Britain series has expanded to a total of twenty three individual maps, a national route planning map, the first ring atlas and a directory of the inland waterways which explores aspects of preservation, restoration and heritage. Many of the titles have featured in walking guides, directories, promotional literature and web sites. This paper outlines the development of the series from the first map, describing the maps themselves, tracking the evolution of production methodologies, defining marketing and sales strategies and discussing the decision-making processes behind the publication and introduction of new titles.     

GIS-based stratification of malaria risk zones for Zimbabwe

Abstract

Malaria burden has considerably declined in the last 15 years mainly due to large-scale vector control. The continued decline can be sustained through malaria risk stratification. Malaria stratification is the classification of geographical areas according to malaria risk. In this study, ecological niche modelling using the maximum entropy algorithm was applied to predict malaria vector habitat suitability in terms of bioclimatic and topographic variables. The output vector suitability map was integrated with malaria prevalence data in a GIS to stratify Zimbabwe into different malaria risk zones. Five improved and validated malaria risk zones were successfully delimited for Zimbabwe based on the World Health Organization classification scheme. These results suggest that the probability of occurrence of major vectors of malaria is a key determinant of malaria prevalence. The delimited malaria risk zones could be used by National Malaria Control programmes to plan and implement targeted malaria interventions based on vector control.     

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.     

THE CADASTRAL MAP

Abstract

In the Empire Survey Review for April 1934 (No. 12, pp. 382–4), the Editor has raised the question of the function of the cadastral map. As he remarks, the question is not simple, but it is easier to say what the function of the map is than to decide of what the map should consist in order that it may fulfil its function. Broadly speaking we may state that the function of the map is to record the boundaries of landed property in such a manner as not only to afford a pictorial representation but also to supply data for the identification of these boundaries on the ground when occasion requires. Apart from this the map should show the areas of properties, as this information may be required for taxation purposes.     

Objective and Subjective Comparison in Choroplethic Mapping

Abstract

Visual map comparison can supplement statistical analysis by providing information as to where and how spatial correspondence occurs. The associations that may be discovered are influenced by the nature of the map features being compared and the criteria used for making the comparisons. In this paper the author has tried to identify the elements of visual recognition that map readers use to associate or differentiate geographical distributions represented by choropleth maps. The main components of the multivariate map reading process are pointed out, including the perceptual interactions between the actual locations of map tones and the overall similarity between map patterns.     

Testing the Effectiveness of Road Speed Maps and Conventional Road Maps

Abstract

This paper presents the results of two independent tests undertaken by a broad sample of motorists in the selection of minimum time routes using both the experimental road speed map and the traditional road map as the basic information. The tests are described, the results analysed, and certain conclusions drawn.     

Reflections on Cartography as the British Cartographic Society Celebrates its Golden Jubilee

Abstract

A questionnaire to 128 drivers included map reading tasks using ½-inch to 1 mile maps produced by Philips (Shell Motoring Maps) and by the Ordnance Survey, followed by questions about which of the two maps was preferred and about the features required in a road map.     

The Peters Phenomenon

Abstract

In 1967 Dr Arno Peters made his first public claim to have designed a world map superior to Mercator and all others. Although professional cartographers have pointed out that the projection is not original or unique, the map has gained a not inconsiderable measure of political acceptance.     

Mapping leafy spurge (euphorbia esula) infestations using aerial photography and geographic information systems

Abstract

Leafy spurge is a troublesome weed on the northern Great Plains of the United States that chemicals and grazing management have not controlled. Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technology have been used to detect and monitor numerous grassland related problems. The objectives of this study were to use both technologies to map and quantify the extent of leafy spurge within Theodore Roosevelt National Park and to provide information for managing the infestation. Analysis of the data indicated that 702 ha of the 18,680 ha park were infested by leafy spurge; however, leafy spurge populations occurring under dense woody canopies, in deep stream channels, and on steep slopes were not always detected. Infestations were especially dense in the western and southeast portions of the park. Most infestations were restricted to riparian zones and smaller drainage channels. Leafy spurge infestations decreased exponentially as distance from stream channels increased (r²=0.98). The significant association of leafy spurge with drainage channels suggests that the weed might be effectively managed on a watershed sub‐basin level. The joint use of GIS and remote sensing proved to be a powerful combination of tools which provided previously unavailable information about the extent and spatial dynamics of leafy spurge within the park. The results of this study will contribute to the development of a comprehensive leafy spurge management plan for Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit).     

Pictorial Navigation Displays

Abstract

A pictorial navigation display for aircraft is described, in which the aircraft's ground position and track are continuously displayed, superimposed on the projected image in colour of a topographical map stored on microfilm. The microphotographic technique developed for preparation of the map films is also described. A navigation display of this type will be incorporated in the prototype Concorde supersonic airliner.