Cartography is the study and practice of all the facets of maps and map making. Everybody is involved with maps as a user. A growing number of people use digital maps or Geographical Information Systems to design their own maps. Good cartography is important because a well designed map communicates its message better than badly designed one. You will notice that the quality of maps varies widely. Some are adequate but not inspiring while others miss the point completely and fail to communicate their message at all. Graphical excellence consists of complex ideas communicated with clarity, precision and efficiency. However there is not a formula for making the perfect map. Maps have as many functions as they have users. Two readers may use exactly the same map for totally different purposes. However, the function common to all maps is to show selected geographical features of the world in the clearest way possible.
Maps have as many functions as they have users. Two readers may use exactly the same map for totally different purposes. However, the function common to all maps is to show selected geographical features of the world in the clearest way possible.
Some of the main categories of our map function are:
- for the location of places
- for analytical purposes, involving measurement
- for navigation and mobility
- to show statistics or trends
- to stimulate spatial understanding
- to visualise a landscape or city
Most people tend to think of a map primarily as being something to navigate with, like a road atlas or a business location map, for example. However, a huge proportion of maps intended for other purposes, and their design reflects that.
Map Types
All maps have in common the fact that they show features in geographical space. However they can vary dramatically in form and appearance. Although a map in a travel guide may bear little resemblance to a map showing economic statistics. Both have in common the fact that they show location and attributes.
What counts as a map includes a wide range of graphics, presented on different media: paper or electronic delivery such as a tablet screen, tv screen, smartphone, and navigation systems.
Map types include:
- Atlases
- Topographic maps
- Thematic maps
- Transport maps
- Game maps
- Diagrams
- Arial photographs
- Satellite images
- 3D models
- Cartograms
- Navigational maps
- Web maps
- Fly-through
- Street views
- Inside building maps
- City maps / plans
- Street maps