The Cartographic Process Cartographic Process Going from unmapped

Cartographic Process Going from unmapped data to map form

Cartographic Process* 1. Define purpose and meaning 2. Choose scale 3. Determine map format,

1. Define Purpose and Meaning • Interpret the requirements of the user. • What

2. Choose Scale Map Scale Ratio of map distance to earth distance Operates along

2. Choose Scale Map Scales (rule of thumb) Large Scale Map 1: 0 –

2. Choose Scale Selection of scale is possibly the most important decision a cartographer

3. Format, Printing, and Economics • What kind of map? • What type of

4. Abstract and Generalize • Only information that is potentially meaningful to the context

4. Abstract and Generalize • Four methods to abstract and generalize Selection Simplification Classification

4. Abstract and Generalize • Symbolization – Use universally accepted symbols when possible –

5. Design Layout Map Elements • Map Body • Neatline • Insets (not shown)

5. Design Layout • Scale, Size, Shape – Size of primary object – Shape

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The Cartographic Process

Cartographic Process Going from unmapped data to map form

Cartographic Process* 1. Define purpose and meaning 2. Choose scale 3. Determine map format, printing limitations, and economics of re/production 4. Abstract and Generalize 5. Design Layout *Note: Does not need to happen in exactly this order…this is often a dynamic, iterative process

1. Define Purpose and Meaning • Interpret the requirements of the user. • What needs to be communicated? • How to best facilitate the communication of ideas?

2. Choose Scale Map Scale Ratio of map distance to earth distance Operates along a continuum from large scale to small scale

2. Choose Scale Map Scales (rule of thumb) Large Scale Map 1: 0 – 1: 600, 000 Medium Scale Map 1: 600, 001 – 1: 2, 000 Small Scale Map 1: 2, 000, 001 – 1: ∞

2. Choose Scale Selection of scale is possibly the most important decision a cartographer makes

3. Format, Printing, and Economics • What kind of map? • What type of map? • How will the map be displayed? • How much will it cost to create the map?

4. Abstract and Generalize • Only information that is potentially meaningful to the context should be included • Cartographers select and organize information necessary to communicate concept to map reader • Cartographers reduce the amount of detail on a map to create a simple visual image

4. Abstract and Generalize • Four methods to abstract and generalize Selection Simplification Classification Symbolization

4. Abstract and Generalize • Symbolization – Use universally accepted symbols when possible – Make sure discrete and continuous symbols are used appropriately – Use universally accepted colors when possible

5. Design Layout

5. Design Layout Map Elements • Map Body • Neatline • Insets (not shown) • Scale bar • Legend (not shown) • Title • Directional Indicator • Metadata • Ancillary Text • Ancillary Object • Graticule • Label

5. Design Layout • Scale, Size, Shape – Size of primary object – Shape of primary object – Media size and shape