USE OF SURVEY SECTIONS IN OPERATIONS

Abstract

When I took over the command of a West Africa Brigade Group in 1939, I found that one of the units in the brigade was a survey section, and, in the course of training this brigade, I was rather concerned as to how this survey unit would or should be used. It was a small unit consisting of three officers (Europeans) and approximately 50 African other ranks, all belonging to the local Government Survey Department. I knew that it could map any particular piece of country, or could lay outbuilding sites, ranges, etc., but, beyond this, and normal military training, I am afraid that I could think of no other ways of using it. I knew also that, when the brigade was trained, we were to move to another part of Africa and that operations were likely to take place over country which was mostly unmapped. This, then, would be the opportunity for the survey section. At the same time, the size of the country we were likely to operate in was so enormous that my little survey unit would be swamped and quite unable to produce operational maps in time for me to use them. In due course we arrived on the scene of operations. My survey section was taken away from me and merged with other sections in a survey company. This company commenced to map parts of the country in which it was considered likely fighting might take place. This was exactly what I had anticipated, although I still considered that even this bigger unit was much too small for the huge job it had to do.     

The National Archives Map Catalogue Retrospective Conversion Project

Abstract

Only a small proportion of the huge number of maps, plans, charts and architectural drawings held in The National Archives have previously been individually described in a way which enables the user to identify items of relevance to his or her research. This article outlines the current project to automate and integrate the existing multiple map finding-aids into the on-line catalogue. In the process of doing this it also explains The National Archives map extract references.     

Physical Considerations of the Storage of Printed Cartographic Materials in Libraries,or, My Life in a Map Case

Abstract

The author offers advice on the storage needs of sheet maps, folded maps, oversized volumes, wall maps, globes, relief models in library and archive settings.     

Living Dinosaurs – A Pessimistic View of the Digital Future?

Abstract

A dealer in second-hand maps, mostly Ordnance Survey maps, looks to the future of map dealers in the light of technological advances and the digital age.     

The Earliest Maps of Southampton

Abstract

In editing the early maps of Southampton for reproduction, the City Archivist has made a detailed study of their origins. This account demonstrates the precautions which must be taken in dealing with old maps and plans.     

Editorial

Abstract

This paper describes the conservation of the first edition of the six-inches-to-one-mile Ordnance Survey maps of Ireland. It outlines the general problem of the acidity of paper on which nineteenth-century Ordnance Survey maps are printed and the peculiar problems of conserving a hand-coloured presentation set. Each stage in the process is described up to the final encapsulation of the maps in Melinex polyester film.     

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.     

Elements of viral cartography

ABSTRACT

Making and sharing maps is easier than ever, and social media platforms make it possible for maps to rapidly attain widespread visibility and engagement. Such maps can be considered examples of viral cartography – maps that reach rapid popularity via social media dissemination. In this research we propose a framework for evaluating the design and social dissemination characteristics of viral maps. We apply this framework in two case studies using maps that reached wide audiences on Twitter. We then analyze collections of maps derived from and inspired by viral maps using image analysis and machine learning to characterize their design elements. Based on our initial work to conceptualize and analyze virality in cartography, we propose a set of new research challenges to better understand viral mapmaking and leverage its social affordances.     

A FIFTY-YEARS RETROSPECT

Abstract

On returning from Central Africa I was posted, for ordinary duty, to Edinburgh, and after a short time I found myself again on the Ordnance Survey. Late in 1899 the South African War broke out, and early in 1900 I was sent out to South Africa in command of a very small Field Survey Section. But before describing the limited activities of this Section it may be as well to give some idea of the attitude of the higher civil and financial authorities towards the proposition that it is desirable to be prepared with maps of possible theatres of war.     

Reflections on Arno Peters (1916–2002)

Abstract

This paper describes a methodology for evaluating the planimetric accuracy of three US Civil War maps using GIS and spatial analytical techniques. The case-study is the Battle of Stones River in Tennessee and, in particular, maps depicting the events of December 31, 1862. An examination of the objectives, limitations and techniques employed by the topographer engineers who created the maps provides focus for the quantitative analysis and establishes the historical context needed to understand how and why the maps were constructed. The paper shows how GIS and spatial analysis can be utilized to document vanishing historic landscapes and reconstructing where certain historical events took place.     

John Keates and Recreation Mapping: Personal Recollections

Abstract

John Keates is very well known for his numerous scholarly contributions to cartography as an academic discipline and science. However, throughout his career, he was also very actively involved in the design and production of maps. Mostly these were specialized thematic maps produced as the result of scientific research in the field sciences, especially in geology, glaciology and vegetation studies. However, during the 1970s he was much involved in the design and production of a considerable number of maps for recreation purposes, including maps for orienteering. Many of these maps were regarded at that time as being extremely innovative in terms of their cartographic design and layout. The article outlines the development of what became known as the 'Glasgow' style of map design John Keates' involvement with recreation maps in the 1970s.     

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.     

The Website of The British Cartographic Society

Abstract

Whilst it can be fairly stated that the post war years have seen an upsurge of interest in the design of maps as printed material, the same cannot be said of the treatment of maps for projection, whether by 35 mm slides or overhead methods.     

Reviews

Abstract

Vegetation and rural land use show some of the greatest variety both in what and in how they are depicted on topographic maps. This paper discusses the various approaches that have been adopted to the selection of information to be shown on non-specialist maps. It also looks at the different ways in which vegetation and rural land use are depicted on a range of published map.     

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.     

Relief and Colour

Abstract

Most maps which depict the earth's relief do not convey information about the colour or texture of the earth's surface. Ways of embodying these additional elements into hill-shaded maps are proposed by the Senior Lecturer in Geodesy, Israel Institute of Technology (Technion).     

Map design for children

Abstract

The development of graphicacy in children has been a laudible and long standing aim of geographical education. The interaction between children and maps in a variety of circumstances is examined and the abilities of children to create their own maps are outlined. The conclusions from such studies can lead to recommendations for map design for children. In particular, the cognitive and graphic processes must be understood and applied.     

Maps for the Reluctant

Abstract

This paper describes the design and development of two trial 1:100 000 scale Ordnance Survey maps targeted specifically at the inexperienced and reluctant map users in the touring and holiday market. These are two maps which depart from the very high map specification designs normally offered by Ordnance Survey. The use of extensive consumer market research and the objective analysis of existing touring type maps on sale have enabled Ordnance Survey to publish two experimental maps, which will succeed or fail by consumer reaction alone.