Showing papers in "Cartographic Journal in 1985"
TL;DR: The effect of experience on topographic map reading was tested in an experiment in which subjects viewed ten maps while their eye movements were recorded, and answered questions on absolute and relative heights as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Cartographers believe that experience plays a central role in high-order map reading tasks. The effect of experience on topographic map reading was tested in an experiment in which subjects viewed ten maps while their eye movements were recorded, and answered questions on absolute and relative heights. Experienced readers performed better on the questionnaire test, especially for the relative height portion. For maps that had distinctive relief features, experienced readers had shorter fixation durations (indicating less processing difficulty) and higher numbers of fixations (indicating greater attention) to areas containing absolute heights. Visual search by experienced readers was apparently guided by familiar patterns of contour lines that they had developed through experience.
59 citations
TL;DR: There are a local and a supra-local combinatorics (syntax), which are essentially different, which are ultimately composed of minimal signs and in turn combine in texts.
Abstract: Map symbolism is a complex semiotic system with spatial and non-spatial components. Macrosigns (localized signs) are ultimately composed of minimal signs and in turn combine in texts. Accordingly, there are a local and a supra-local combinatorics (syntax), which are essentially different. Minimal expressions are jointly meaningful and distinctive, and distinction is differential or gradual. Signs are arbitrary or motivated, but motivation is a crucial trait of the system. Rules for linking expressions to contents are global or pertain to the individual map. Notwithstanding its semantic specialization, map symbolism is productive.
48 citations
TL;DR: Results of a simple map reading experiment show that enclosing pictographic symbols with simple geometric 'frames' significantly decreases their search time, but at the cost of significantly greater errors in identification.
Abstract: The design of thematic point symbols involves encoding attributes of the object represented that will assist map users in (1) establishing the symbol's meaning, but also (2) in finding it in visual search. Accepting experimental evidence that colour is the most useful sorting dimension, internal variations in per cent area inked and shape were examined experimentally in four types of tourist symbols, varying from abstract to pictographic. Results of a simple map reading experiment show that enclosing pictographic symbols with simple geometric 'frames' significantly decreases their search time. The use of purely abstract symbols further reduces search times, but at the cost of significantly greater errors in identification.
47 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined system and processing models of visual/cognitive behaviour for their potential contribution to cartographic design research and concluded that current models have strong explanatory power.
Abstract: System and processing models of visual/cognitive behaviour are examined for their potential contribution to cartographic design research. System models attempt to describe the cognitive system by a set of functional components, while processing models are concerned with the sequence of activities by which a cognitive act is performed. Through an examination of their application to discussions of cartography as a natural language and the problems of map learning and map complexity, it is concluded that current models have strong explanatory power. Of particular importance is the stress they place on the organisational nature of map reading and the active role of the reader in the cartographic process.
47 citations
TL;DR: In 1967, Dr Arno Peters made his first public claim to have designed a world map superior to Mercator and all others as discussed by the authors, and the map has gained a not inconsiderable measure of political acceptance.
Abstract: In 1967 Dr Arno Peters made his first public claim to have designed a world map superior to Mercator and all others. Although professional cartographers have pointed out that the projection is not original or unique, the map has gained a not inconsiderable measure of political acceptance.
29 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the use of computer assisted treatment of morphometric topics has been explored in the context of topographic relief, using a digital terrain model as a source of information.
Abstract: The introduction of lithographic reproduction methods for printing of maps instead of copper engraving techniques almost 150 years ago, has supplanted the use of hachures for cartographic relief depictions. The article explains how computers and plotters can be used to produce hachures based on an initial input of digital terrain models. Instead of using hachures, as in the past, as a possible means of topographic relief presentation only, it is suggested to utilise them as a source for the computer assisted treatment of morphometric topics.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show how a propaganda war on territorial disputes can be sustained by means of maps on stamps, including the recent Falkland Islands conflict and the lesser known Chaco War between Bolivia and Paraguay, ending up in Europe with two interesting cases.
Abstract: Effective propaganda can be very useful in a war situation and one avenue open to governments is the postage stamp: this article shows how a propaganda war on territorial disputes can be sustained by means of maps on stamps. Examples chosen include the recent Falkland Islands conflict and the lesser known Chaco War between Bolivia and Paraguay, ending up in Europe with two interesting cases.
16 citations
TL;DR: Town maps for the Palestine Front were an immediate necessity, not an academic exercise and the war served as an immediate catalyst and the first map, that of Gaza, was produced on 25 January, 1917 being probably the first town map ever made by the use of aerial photographs.
Abstract: During the First World War a major turning-point in the history of cartography was made in Palestine. The British forces, which were marching toward Palestine, had no town maps of some of the key towns of Palestine. Towns situated beyond the front line, such as Gaza, Beer-Sheba, Ramleh and others were photographed by the Air Squadrons and maps of the towns were made. The first map, that of Gaza, was produced on 25 January, 1917 being probably the first town map ever made by the use of aerial photographs. Other maps, which were produced during 1918, like those of Nablus and El Kerak were maps which demonstrated a new solution to the problem of the use of aerial photographs for the purpose of mapping towns situated in hilly areas. Town maps for the Palestine Front were an immediate necessity, not an academic exercise and the war served as an immediate catalyst. The photographs and maps produced then are excellent historical documents, particularly because of their high quality and preservation.
14 citations
TL;DR: The Department of Geography at the University of Edinburgh has been contracted by the Scottish Development Department to produce a series of computer maps based on the 1981 Population Census of Scotland as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Department of Geography at the University of Edinburgh has been contracted by the Scottish Development Department to produce a series of computer maps based on the 1981 Population Census of Scotland. A brief overview of the project will be delivered together with an outline of the problems and limitations encountered in designing maps for specific customers, who have little or no knowledge of computer cartography.
6 citations
TL;DR: Nelson and Langdon as discussed by the authors used a plane table and theodolite survey to produce estate maps with score marks indicating sighting or protraction lines, and transferred the drafts to parchment for engrossment, creating a clear distinction between field observations and rich imagery of the completed map.
Abstract: Draft estate maps by Matthew Nelson and Thomas Langdon demonstrate the process of map-making in the early seventeenth century. The drafts result from plane table and theodolite surveys, with score marks indicating sighting or protraction lines. Further scoring transferred the drafts to parchment for engrossment, creating a clear distinction between field observations and the rich imagery of the completed map.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors encourage map curators to consider the use of computers in cataloguing their map collections and assess the merits of such an approach compared with manual systems, and the preparation of such a computerised catalogue and the ways in which it can be used to search and retrieve relevant information are described.
Abstract: This article encourages Map Curators to seriously consider the use of computers in cataloguing their map collections. The merits of such an approach compared with manual systems are assessed. Also, the preparation of such a computerised catalogue and the ways in which it can be used to search and retrieve relevant information are fully described. Many readers will not be particularly familiar with the use of computers and so technical details have been kept to a minimum.
TL;DR: In this paper, the present nature, status and role of school pupils' desk atlases in Britain are briefly described and placed in their global context, revealing certain evolutionary tendencies which are discussed and evaluated, and concluded that some British examples are among the more progressive, especially those intended for younger children.
Abstract: 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.
TL;DR: The authors discusses techniques for reproducing historical maps, which may be fragile or of large dimensions, to a common scale and so facilitate easier comparisons, and discusses techniques to reproduce historical maps at different dates drawn at a common and manageable scale.
Abstract: Those studying the growth patterns of nineteenth century settlements frequently need to consult a series of maps at different dates drawn to a common and manageable scale. This article discusses techniques for reproducing historical maps, which may be fragile or of large dimensions, to a common scale and so facilitate easier comparisons.
TL;DR: A survey of map requests for one year in the Geography Department's map library at Sheffield University as discussed by the authors showed that the greatest use of the library is by students, mainly geography students, and that there was a relatively high use of thematic maps.
Abstract: A record was made of map requests for one year in the Geography Department's map library at Sheffield University. This is compared with other surveys of map use in university map libraries. The results show that the greatest use of the library is by students, mainly geography students, and that there was a relatively high use of thematic maps. The differences between the libraries compared are mainly due to the differing status and purposes of the libraries within their universities and thus their differing resources.
TL;DR: The adaptability of the GBD device in an interactive tactual mapping environment is explored and theGBD display mode is compared with the raster mode of processing geographic map data.
Abstract: The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has recently demonstrated at various professional meetings the first prototype Graphic Braille Display (GBD) unit, that is capable of generating graphics for the blind. The prototype GBD involves a low production cost and it has many undesirable features at this infant stage. However, it will open a whole new world of communicating graphics to the blind. This paper explores the adaptability of the GBD device in an interactive tactual mapping environment. The GBD display mode is compared with the raster mode of processing geographic map data. Current shortcomings, possible solutions, and research directions are suggested.
TL;DR: Thematic Information Service of NERC has been active in the field of automated cartography for a number of years (originally as the Experimental Cartography Unit) involving many types of map and map-based output as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Thematic Information Service of NERC has been active in the field of automated cartography for a number of years (originally as the Experimental Cartography Unit) involving many types of map and map-based output. This process has led to the development of many different methods of production, manipulation and display techniques. In describing the progress of two large and very different projects the authors hope to illustrate some of the many possibilities and, perhaps, pitfalls of digital cartography. It will be shown that digital map output can actually be put to a useful purpose and not become simply an exercise in collecting digital data.
TL;DR: In this paper, the microclimatic characteristics in the Map Library of Liverpool University Geography Department during a weekend shutdown were examined, and the data collected showed a very wide range of temperature and humidity conditions, well outside that recommended for the safe storage and preservation of maps and documents.
Abstract: With the present cutbacks on educational expenditure some central heating systems are being switched off at weekends and during vacations. This paper examines the microclimatic characteristics in the Map Library of Liverpool University Geography Department during a weekend shutdown.The data collected showed a very wide range of temperature and humidity conditions, well outside that recommended for the safe storage and preservation of maps and documents.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the parameters as they apply to the Nigerian situation, including camera lens and its focal length, film base, film emulsion and mounting, flight planning and operation, aerial survey platform and weather conditions.
Abstract: Aerial photo imagery has been suggested by recent writers on census cartography as the best source of new data depends on a number of technical factors. The factors include aerial camera lens and its focal length, film base, film emulsion and mounting, flight planning and operation, aerial survey platform and weather conditions. This paper discusses the parameters as they apply to the Nigerian situation.