Knowing and communicating
GEOG 462: Cartographic Design
Literacy
Communicating Geographic Information
Articulacy Numeracy
“Geographers think in and through maps, and changes in mapping
capabilities will affect the way we think about the world."
Ron Abler (1987), Annals of the Association of American Geographers Graphicacy
Maps
Basic characteristics of maps Map purposes
all maps are concerned with two primary elements
locations and attributes
the look of a map depends largely on its
all maps are reductions of reality
intended use and intended audience
scale examples
all maps are transformations of space store geographic information
map projections and coordinate systems aid navigation or mobility
all maps are abstractions of reality aid analysis, such as measuring or
generalization and its components
computing
summarize large amounts of statistical data
all maps use signs and symbolism
for forecasting or detecting trends
cartographic symbolization
visualize what was otherwise invisible
Cartographic representation
Principle task of cartography
communicate geographical information Exaggeration Reading
graphically Classification
basic focus of graphic artist -- beauty
basic focus of surveyor -- accuracy Map Map Map
Selection Analysis
Making Effectiveness Use
basic focus of cartographer -- communicate
the information beautifully and accurately
Simplification
Symbolization Interpretation
1
Map reading and analysis Information transformation
Transform 1 Transform 2 Transform 3 Transform 1 Transform 2 Transform 3
Recognized
Data Cartographer Map Map reader Geographical Map
geographical Map image
environment
information
Census Selection Reading
Ground survey Classification Analysis
Transformation of information through a PERSON GPS Simplification Interpretation
Remote sensing Exaggeration
Compilation Symbolization
Transformation of information through a PROCESS
Scope of Cartography
Qualities of a good map maker
Map maker
intellectual honesty
meticulous nature
patience
Data Map sense of proportion
cleanliness
comparatively inartistic
ability to correct errors
Map user
The Roles of Maps – Alan McEachren
“Some Truth with Maps”
1. Exploration
2. Confirmation
3. Synthesis
4. Presentation
5. OTHERS??
Source:MacEachren, 1994, p. 2.
2
1. Exploration
Visual Thinking
Manipulation
Brain Storming
Induction
Informal
Free from rules and protocol
Trial and Error
Ad Hoc, Pro Temp
Individual or Sharing ideas with others
Source:MacEachren, 1994, p. 4.
2. Confirmation 3. Synthesis
Investigation Process Visual Communication
Assumptions made Coherent statement of ideas, patterns,
Questions Posed
relationships
Hypotheses Generated
Abstraction process
Confirm initial ideas
Outcome of modeling Signal from noise
Map overlay / comparison Lose detail / gain perspective
Analysis of residuals What to suppress, what to emphasize, which
relationships are significant
Rebuttal
Source:MacEachren, 1994, p. 2.
3
4. Presentation
Convincing others
Authenticity
“People believe maps”
(Suspicion of statistical analysis)
Combine measurement and ‘expert’
knowledge
GOALS
Clickable Graphic
#4 Clicked Here
4
5. OTHERS??
SUMMARY I
YOUR TURN Cartographic Language
HAS MACEACHREN THOUGHT OF ALL Graphic Representation - Abstraction
THE POSSIBILITIES? Visualization
WHAT OTHER ROLES DO MAPS HAVE? Displaying Data
Communication
AUDIENCE
Map Composition
Presentation
SUMMARY II
Private and Public Domains
Visual Thinking and Visual
Communication
Design and symbolization
GIS flexibility
Many possible renditions
Different strategies
(design/symbolization) for different goals
