International Institute for Geo-Information Sciences and Earth Observation (ITC).
Urban Regional Research Centre Utrecht (URU).

The use of maps in the exploration of geographic data

Abstract This paper was first given to The British Cartographic Society meeting in the Autumn of 1976. It discusses the project, its origins and development, and the close liaison between the Department of the Environment and Fairey Surveys Ltd. in its execution.

A land use survey of developed areas in England and Wales : Part 1 Background and objectives Part 2 Mapping aspects

Abstract Until the 1990s map perception research was one of the main parts of cartography as a scientific discipline. In the last years of the century map perception research fell out of favor as cartographers turned their attention to the new computer technology. In the first decade of the 21th century the problems of map perception became more frequent in cartographic journals. The article recaps the main problems, theories and research conducted in the twentieth century. The main concepts connected with map perception are discussed: use, utilization, reception and interpretation. These terms are used differently in different research orientations. The author assumes that the terms: reception, reading and perception are unambiguous and perception should be treated as a complex of active and highly interactive processes, leading to identification and understanding of the visible image. The relation of perception research with theory of cartography are presented in three stages of development of the research. In the first, intuitive stage, very important role played eminent cartographers Max Eckert and Karl Peucker, who appreciated the role of human perception in cartography. The second stage began with the research initiated by A.H. Robinson in the 1950s. In the stage perceptual research contributed to the physical aspects of cartographic signs and the psychophysical orientation emerged. Perception has been accepted as an element of cartographic communication theory, modeling theory and cartographic semiotics. The third stage of perceptual research emerged as a result of criticism of empirical research effects. Cartographers turned to methods and theories of cognitive psychology and cognitive orientation was a main paradigm of the research. Perception is perceived as one of the elements of the human cognitive system and considered in the context of higher lever cognitive processes, participating in cartographic information processing. Two methodological approaches can be set apart: theoretical and experimental. In the theoretical approach the processing succession is considered and some models of cartographic processing models were presented. The first decade of the 21st century opens a new stage of perceptual research. It can be named cognitive-digital as the research is based on computer software and is concentrated on cognitive aspects of map perception.

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Map perception: theories and research in the second half of the twentieth century

This paper reviews the development and methodology of a workshop on the application of spatial information in the implementation of land reform in South Africa. The specific methods of spatial information dealt with include aerial photographs, maps of the national series and cadastral records. The delivery of land rights is the core business of the Department of Land Affairs in South Africa. At the same time, translating this statement into practice remains one of the greatest challenges facing South Africa. In order to do this the people driving this process must be skilled in the application of specific spatial information. First, a frame of reference on developing map-reading skills is presented; second, there is a review the development and implementation of the workshop. Third, the findings of the workshop are expanded upon. In conclusion we have a look at the way ahead.

Developing map use skills for planners and implementers of land reform in South Africa

A selection of children's picture atlases was analysed for pictorial content and illustrative style. Eighty six primary children were interviewed and an assessment made of their identification and interpretation of map-located pictures. Picture recognition and interpretation without reference to any explanatory legend or text were found to be highly variable. Some characteristics of picture misinterpretation are identified and a number of aspects of children's reasoning about picture location are explored. Some tentative guidelines are presented for cartographers and illustrators as well as for teachers and parents.

Communication in Children's Picture Atlases

School pupils' formal educational mapwork is compared with their voluntary use of the general atlas map. Doubts about the usefulness of atlases in teaching are not confirmed. Analysis of mapwork and especially of scanning suggest possible ways of improving atlas map design.

Directed and Free Search of the School Atlas Map

The built-up area of towns and cities is the most significant of Man's environments and one of the most clearly defined on the ground, yet it is inadequately portrayed and inaccurately delineated on small scale maps. The consequences of this are examined and some recommendations made.

Towns on Maps

The present nature, status and role of school pupils' desk atlases in Britain are briefly described and placed in their global context. This reveals certain evolutionary tendencies which are discussed and evaluated, and it is concluded that some British examples are among the more progressive, especially those intended for younger children.

Herbert A. Sandford

Papers

Directed and Free Search of the School Atlas Map

Towns on Maps

The Future of the School Pupils' Desk Atlas