Reasserting Design Relevance in Cartography: Some Examples

Abstract

While concepts and theories about design underpin the work of the professional cartographer, it is unrealistic for most map-makers to be cognisant of the plethora of techniques available to support excellence in design. In the second part of our paper to reassert the relevance of design in cartography, we present the results of a survey of cartographic experts drawn from the academic and professional world. The survey asked participants to present their top ten most expertly designed maps from throughout history. Here, we share the most frequently cited maps that emerged from that survey and describe why they exhibit design excellence. By showing map-makers a range of high-quality cartographic work, we aim to provide exemplars that demonstrate how design affects a map and expertly marries form with function. The techniques on display are well executed and create products that are both well suited to their purpose and have an aesthetic quality that invites people to take notice. They are all, in their own ways, beautiful examples of the art of design in cartography. We have deliberately avoided a ‘top ten’ approach and, instead, offer three examples in a range of map categories. The examples are neither definitive, nor exhaustive and should act as a starting point to explore design in cartography from those who have managed to set the bar high.     

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.     

The Military Map of the United Kingdom and its Impact on Mapping in the Twentieth Century

Abstract

Considerable attention has been paid in the literature to the changing style of Ordnance Survey mapping in the twentieth century. However, little has been written about the origins of the characteristic appearance of the first multi-colour editions, other that the Ordnance Survey used a military edition that was already in production. The distinctive style grew out of the work of a committee established in 1892 by the War Office to consider future army requirements for a map of the UK. This paper explores the work of the committee and its long-term implications for the look of mapping in the twentieth century.     

引潮位的Doodson规格化展开及其精度评定

基于引潮位Doodson规格化展开的基本原理以及ELP/MPP02月球历表、Newcomb太阳历表的结构,设计了一个用以代表三角函数的数据结构;并由此自定义了三角函数的乘法与加法算法,将月球、太阳引潮位分别展开至5阶、3阶,振幅绝对值截断阈值为10-7,在展开过程中对"伪波"进行"滤波"处理后,最终得到包含4 686项展开式的引潮位展开表(其中振幅绝对值超过10-6的展开式有2 441项)。以德国BFO(Black Forest Observatory)测站为例,基于DE431历表,通过天球参考系变换计算得到1950—2050年间时间间隔为1 h的法向引潮力基准序列BFDE431;并根据各个引潮位展开表计算得到相应的法向引潮力序列;通过与BFDE431基准序列求差,得到各个差值序列的统计值。计算结果表明,文中给出的展开表对应的差值序列数值在±58×10~(-11)m·s~(-2)(nGal)以内,均方差为12.5×10~(-11)m·s~(-2),与XI89展开表的精度相当。但由于没有考虑行星及地球扁率的影响,仍未达到HW95和RATGP95展开表的精度水平。     

浅析《三峡库区地图集》的设计特点与主要技术

详细论述了《三峡库区地图集》的内容结构与编排体系的设计特点、版面设计与表达创新,以及图集制作的主要技术问题和处理方法。     

三维数字城市平台的设计

三维数字城市平台基于3D-GIS三维规划空间信息,实现真实三维空间的动态调度、三维空间漫游、地物查询、距离查询和多方案对比、视图快捷切换、自动生成平面、立面等基本功能,是辅助规划的重要工具。本文对系统平台的技术构成与主要功能进行了阐述,旨在为增强城乡规划的科学性,提高城乡规划实施、管理效能和开发相关软件系统提供参考。     

测绘生产管理信息化建设应用研究

国家测绘地理信息局在2007年开展了信息化测绘体系研究,测绘地理信息领域的信息化获得长足进步。信息化测绘时代的到来,对测绘生产管理提出了更高的要求。本文设计了以测绘生产管理为核心内容的信息系统,经过近三年时间的应用,其管理功能模块能够满足测绘生产信息化管理需要。     

智慧城市云平台中地下管线系统模块设计

随着互联网技术支撑的实时以及动态的大数据时代的来临,智慧城市的发展面临新的问题。城市智慧管线系统是智慧城市不可或缺的重要组成部分,其系统在传统平台的网络硬件支撑、数据支撑、服务支撑、应用及用户各个逻辑层面上,必须有新的技术手段应用和对传统技术的升级及替代。     

《甘肃省长城资源分布图》的设计与编制

《甘肃省长城资源分布图》是甘肃省首次利用长城资源调查资料编制的系列专题图,该图系统地表达了甘肃省境内历代长城的分布、走向、构成、类型、保存现状,以及长城沿线关堡、单体建筑、相关遗存的分布。本文介绍了该系列地图设计和编制的总体思路、内容结构、编辑技法、质量控制等,对其他长城分布图的编制具有一定的参考价值。     

基于“天地图·永定”的永定旅游地图服务网设计与实现

"天地图·永定"是永定区统一、权威、标准的地理信息公共平台,本文利用"天地图·永定"提供的丰富的数据服务和二次开发接口,开发了永定旅游地图服务网,实现了永定旅游服务和"天地图"的融合,为游客提供便捷、丰富的旅游服务,对永定区的旅游发展起到了一定的推动作用。