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Showing papers in "Cartographic Journal in 1993"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new approach to line generalisation which uses the concept of 'effective area' for progressive simplification of a line by point elimination and offers scope for modelling cartographic lines as consisting of features within features so that their geometric manipulation may be modified by application- and/or user-defined rules and weights.
Abstract: This paper presents a new approach to line generalisation which uses the concept of 'effective area' for progressive simplification of a line by point elimination. Two coastlines are used to compare the performance of this, with that of the widely used Douglas-Peucker, algorithm. The results from the area-based algorithm compare favourably with manual generalisation of the same lines. It is capable of achieving both imperceptible minimal simplifications and caricatural generalisations. By careful selection of cut-off values, it is possible to use the same algorithm for scale-dependent and scale-independent generalisations. More importantly, it offers scope for modelling cartographic lines as consisting of features within features so that their geometric manipulation may be modified by application- and/or user-defined rules and weights. The paper examines the merits and limitations of the algorithm and the opportunities it offers for further research and progress in the field of line generalisation.

305 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an examination of methods used to create cartograms, which minimise visual bias involves considering how densities and area boundaries should be mapped, and the advantages of using three colour or trivariate mapping are outlined.
Abstract: High resolution colour mapping using modern technology has allowed us to explore the breadth of census data available to the contemporary social scientist. An examination of methods used to create cartograms, which minimise visual bias involves considering how densities and area boundaries should be mapped. The Modifiable Area Unit Problem is discussed and the advantages of using three colour or trivariate mapping are outlined. Further modifications to traditional census mapping such as the mapping of change and flow are addressed.

55 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: There is much opportunity for cartographers and geographers to benefit from the computational possibilities being opened by visualization researchers, and similar for the visualization software developers and users to learn best-practice in display methods from cartographers.
Abstract: Scientific Visualization is a growing area of computing with the underlying philosophy that displaying visual representations of data assists humans in generating ideas and hypotheses about the data. The emphasis is on the fostering of ideas as opposed to presentation of information, as in conventional cartography. Having said that, it would appear that there is much opportunity for cartographers and geographers to benefit from the computational possibilities being opened by visualization researchers, and similar for the visualization software developers and users to learn best-practice in display methods from cartographers.

29 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors synthesize the findings of investigations into tactile mapping to synthesise the most readable symbols, point, line and area, for tactile mapping, based on past research into the efficacy of symbols on tactile maps.
Abstract: Building on past research into the efficacy of symbols on tactile maps an attempt is made to synthesise the findings of investigations into tactile mapping. Conclusions regarding the most readable symbols, point, line and area, are given.

19 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An examination of the purpose of text on the face of the map results in a taxonomy of text symbols used by cartographers, and map design aspects are considered in relation to text portrayal.
Abstract: An examination of the purpose of text on the face of the map results in a taxonomy of text symbols used by cartographers. Text can be 'designative', reflecting the features portrayed by other map symbols, 'analytical' linking features on the map with their attributes and analysing relationships amongst features; 'positional' describing or confirming the location of features; and 'informative', giving a description of the nature of the source data. Map design aspects are considered in relation to text portrayal.

17 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This short article addresses some of the problems in cartographic generalisation, especially the mis-use of data point reduction algorithms for generalisation purpose, and emphasizes that 'data reduction' is applied when the scale change is not of concern, while generalisation is applied due to the change in scales.
Abstract: This short article addresses some of the problems in cartographic generalisation, especially the mis-use of data point reduction algorithms for generalisation purpose. Special attention is paid to line generalisation. Through analysis, the author emphasizes that 'data reduction' is applied when the scale change is not of concern, while generalisation is applied due to the change in scales. Therefore, data point reduction algorithms should not be used for generalisation purposes. Also different benchmarks such as the manually generalised versions of existing maps should be used for the purpose of evaluating line generalisation algorithms instead of always using the original feature.

17 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Focused enquiries into how readers react to map images during the early stages of viewing may provide more immediately-applicable guidelines for the developers of graphic design-support programs for desk-top mapping.
Abstract: Responses to maps can be utilitarian, aesthetic or both, and have been the subject of research for almost forty years. These scientific studies, which advance with psychological thinking, have made only limited contributions to the understanding of practically effective design methods. Research into the whole cognitive process continues but focused enquiries into how readers react to map images during the early stages of viewing may provide more immediately-applicable guidelines for the developers of graphic design-support programs for desk-top mapping. The production of consistently legible and effective images may be a short-term goal but a fuller appreciation of map design must include consideration of aesthetics.

15 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a discussion on the Why, What, Where, and Why? of 3D maps is presented, along with some design considerations for 3D perception, depth cues and presentation techniques.
Abstract: Geographical Information Systems are responsible for a tremendous increase in map production and map use over the last decades. This, and general technological advancement, created opportunities that challenged the cartographer to elaborate on cartographic representations that were tedious and laborious to make before. The three-dimensional map is an example of such a representation. This paper deals with design aspects of the three-dimensional map. Traditional cartographic textbooks acknowledge the existence of three-dimensional maps. However, they do not offer design tools for them, as they do for traditional two-dimensional maps. A discussion on the Why?, What? Where? of three-dimensional maps is followed by some design considerations. They involve three-dimensional perception, depth cues and possible presentation techniques. The paper finishes with some thoughts on the three-dimensional environment in which the maps should be produced and used.

13 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Cartographic Expert Systems have shown they have something to offer, where the objectives have been relatively narrow and sufficiently well focused, and several prototype systems produced, many of which are reported here.
Abstract: Although the term 'automation' has been used in connection with cartography for some time, the concept of totally automated map design and production is still a long way off. Recent attempts at using computers to assist with map design have focused on the use of Expert Systems. A number of proposals have been made and several prototype systems produced, many of which are reported here. Where the objectives have been relatively narrow and sufficiently well focused, Cartographic Expert Systems have shown they have something to offer.

13 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the principal design requirements associated with each type of use and some suggestions to the designers of such displays, also incorporating the interesting new possibilities offered by the new technology are discussed.
Abstract: The CRT monitor is still the dominant type of screen display. The technology imposes design limits on displays, especially in size, resolution and colour. Relatively inexpensive computing power and user-friendly software have invaded the graphics maraket, including cartography. Screen map displays are used for interactive working, for final displays and for the design of printed maps. The article discusses the principal design requirements associated with each type of use and offers some suggestions to the designers of such displays, also incorporating the interesting new possibilities offered by the new technology.

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the interaction between children and maps in a variety of circumstances is examined and the abilities of children to create their own maps are outlined and the conclusions from such studies can lead to recommendations for map design for children.
Abstract: The development of graphicacy in children has been a laudible and long standing aim of geographical education. The interaction between children and maps in a variety of circumstances is examined and the abilities of children to create their own maps are outlined. The conclusions from such studies can lead to recommendations for map design for children. In particular, the cognitive and graphic processes must be understood and applied.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The author reflects on some of the main influences on map design which occurred during his own working lifetime, which include the post-World War II developments in graphic arts technology; the design challenge of the photomap; theory and research in the nineteen seventies and early nineteen eighties and finally the digital transition.
Abstract: The author reflects on some of the main influences on map design which occurred during his own working lifetime in cartography. These include the post-World War II developments in graphic arts technology and the impetus these gave to what is now regarded to 'traditional' cartography; the design challenge of the photomap; theory and research in the nineteen seventies and early nineteen eighties and finally the digital transition.The use of powerful digital systems to experiment with cartographic design, and the improvements in design standards which expert systems may offer to noncartographers are regarded as important prospects in the immediate future.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Softcopy and hardcopy maps are the main form of output from Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Digital Image Processing Systems (DIPS).
Abstract: Softcopy and hardcopy maps are the main form of output from Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Digital Image Processing Systems (DIPS). Graphic design toolboxes available with these systems p...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the influence of factors controllable by the map designer on people's route choices, and how to use these factors to encourage optimal decisions in road map selection.
Abstract: The selection of routes from road maps is a complex perceptual process. How much do factors controllable by the map designer influence people's route choices, and in what ways can they be used to encourage optimal decisions?

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the development of photo maps and mapping using satellite imagery is outlined using examples from the governmental, commercial and educational sectors, and the design possibilities and limitations which are evident in these products are discussed.
Abstract: Using examples from the governmental, commercial and educational sectors, the development of photo maps and mapping using satellite imagery is outlined. The emphasis of this paper is on the design possibilities and limitations which are evident in these products. Contrast and legibility problems and image clutter are considered, but it is concluded that the institutional impediments to the collaboration of specialists in researching and designing such maps may be of most importance in determining progress in the use of such maps.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of engraving on map content and the location of named places in the map were investigated and it was shown that there is a measurable reduction in both the amount and in the quality of information in consequence of the engraves.
Abstract: Extant manuscript sources of seven maps published in Blaeu's Atlas Novus in 1654 provide evidence for a study of the effects of engraving on map content and on the location of named places in the map. There is a measurable reduction in both the amount and in the quality of information in consequence of engraving. Whilst preparation for printing made little difference to accuracy overall, the location of some places within the map is nevertheless likely to be discernibly altered for better or for worse.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An investigation into the feasibility of the provision of digital mapping for use by students in a British academic library is described from a map librarian's perspective.
Abstract: This paper describes, from a map librarian's perspective, an investigation into the feasibility of the provision of digital mapping for use by students in a British academic library. Establishing the funding has been a significant part of the project. This has included consideration of hardware as well as the pricing structures for the supply of digital cartographic data.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A five-colour map of Aberlady Bay Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest at 1:7,500 scale is published as a loose insert with the June 1993 issue of The Cartographic Journal as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A new five-colour map of Aberlady Bay Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest at 1:7,500 scale is published as a loose insert with the June 1993 issue of The Cartographic Journal. This accompanying paper describes the problems of producing the map at minimal cost, considers some of the cartographic issues particular to the site, and provides specification details of the compilation.Such individual map sheets, which are used for environmental planning, research and teaching, have in the past been produced mainly by universities with the support of conservancy and countryside agencies. Future production costs at universities will inevitably rise although some economies may be possible by the use of digital database methods of cartography.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors discusses with examples how and why black and white maps are used in newspapers and what colour can add to the possibilities of using colour maps in the context of newspaper map design and analysis.
Abstract: Newspapers have traditionally appeared in monochrome, thus newspaper map designers have for most of their careers needed to exploit the opportunities available with black and white cartography, and although aware of the constraints this imposes, they have been unable to experiment with the possibilities that colour holds. In recent years however this has changed. Advances in technology have allowed newspapers to print in four-colour — most noticeable in the use of colour photography — facilitating the use of colour maps. This paper discusses with examples how and why black and white maps are used in newspapers and what colour can add.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This meeting explored the issues connected with the changing nature of the Ordnance Survey supply of spatial data, in particular its effect on the Copyright Libraries and their users.
Abstract: This paper provides a summary of the proceedings and discussion at a conference entitled 'The Future History of Our Landscape', held in October 1992. This meeting explored the issues connected with the changing nature of the Ordnance Survey supply of spatial data, in particular its effect on the Copyright Libraries and their users. Technical and organisational matters concerned with the supply and use of digital data in the archival environment are considered.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Electronic Chart and the Electronic Chart Display Information System are integrating technologies requiring accurate position fixing using GPS, assessment of current sea surface situation using radar and high quality display in map form.
Abstract: The Electronic Chart and the Electronic Chart Display Information System are integrating technologies requiring accurate position fixing using GPS, assessment of current sea surface situation using radar and high quality display in map form. The latter aspect is addressed here with an emphasis on operational requirements for such shipboard cartography including colour and symbolisation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A necessarily brief and selective summary of the development of the alphabet in Europe from pre-Christian days to the digital/laser technology in use today is presented.
Abstract: The alphabet is the best tool that humankind has for storing thoughts, ideas and instructions until they can be employed, acted upon or communicated to others. This paper presents a necessarily brief and selective summary of the development of the alphabet in Europe from pre-Christian days to the digital/laser technology in use today.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an examination of the nature and purpose of design education for cartographers and geographers is undertaken using the example of the HND and degree courses at the University of Luton.
Abstract: Using the example of the HND and degree courses at the University of Luton an examination of the nature and purpose of design education for cartographers and geographers is undertaken. An outline of the syllabus of one module in particular illustrates the necessary linkage between fundamentals of cartographic design and the new technologies in map production.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the process of converting an existing atlas of marine information into an electronic version is discussed, and the problems of converting such an atlas to an electronic format are discussed.
Abstract: Electronic atlases possess certain advantages over their paper counterparts. However these are not achieved lightly because of the considerable differences between these media, particularly in terms of cartographic design. These problems, and the process of converting an existing atlas of marine information into an electronic version, are the subject of this paper.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The history of the County premium-competition and the little-known prize-winners can be traced in this article, where the authors of coal-districts and counties of Scotland were surveyed.
Abstract: With the intention of bringing to public notice details of Scotland's mineral resources, the Highland Society, in 1834, instituted a scheme of geological patronage. Awards of cash and medals were offered to authors of meritorious geological surveys of Scottish coal-districts and Counties. This paper traces the history of the County premium-competition and focuses attention on the little-known prize-winners.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors examines the significance of the ways in which maps have been organized into separate sheets for convenience of production and distribution; compacted from their original sheet format; and conserved in durable covers.
Abstract: This paper examines the significance of the ways in which maps have been organised into separate sheets for convenience of production and distribution; compacted from their original sheet format; and conserved in durable covers. This involves a discussion of sheet layouts for map series, folding systems and the related issues of back to back printing, title panels and protective covers.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Wortmann, Kathryn, C. and Buttenfield, Barbara P., (Eds), 1994), "Current developments and use of the spatial data transfer standard", A Special Issue of Cartography and Geographic Information Systems, 21(3): pp 192.
Abstract: tiotemporal Intersection (STIN) Operation: An approach to test spatiotemporal correlation", Cartographica, 23(2): 23(2): 13-20. Wortmann, Kathryn, C. and Buttenfield, Barbara P., (Eds), 1994), "Current developments and use of the spatial data transfer standard", A Special Issue of Cartography and Geographic Information Systems, 21(3): pp 192. Mackaness, W. A., (1994), "An algorithm for conflict identification and feature displacement in automated generalization", Cartography and Geographic Information Systems, 21 ~4): 219-232. Sheppard, E. and Poiker, T., (Eds), (1995), "GIS and Society", A Special Issue of Cartography and Geographic Information Systems, 22(1): pp 104.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In the Netherlands, large-scale topographic mapping published since 1800 has been made available to the general public in facsimiles or as atlases which are sold in their hundreds of thousands in The Netherlands as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Though The Netherlands were mapped at large scales before 1800, the resulting maps never covered the whole country. Large-scale mapping really started after the beginning of the 19th century. The maps were meant for military use, though civilians have always admired them. Since 1970 all large-scale topographic mapping published since 1800 has been made available to the general public in facsimiles or as atlases which are sold in their hundreds of thousands in The Netherlands. Is this because The Netherlands is a densely populated country, because there is a cultural-historical tradition or because of the use of the right marketing techniques? With these atlases, map departments can easily fulfil their needs for basic topographic information, old and new. But the biggest advantages are the availability of toponymic indexes and the ability to compare topographic data chronologically.