Lecture

Mapping Components and Functions

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Description

This lecture provides an overview of thematic statistical cartography, introducing the principles of graphic semiology for creating effective visual signals. It covers the practical roles, advantages, and drawbacks of maps, delves into the components, fundamental functions, and production process of maps, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of graphic systems, structures, and visual variables.

In MOOC

Geographical Information Systems 2

The second part of the course deals with spatial analysis methods and georeferenced information representation techniques. In particular, you will learn how to:

Analyze the spatial properties of discrete variables, for example by quantifying spatial autocorrelation;
Work with continuous variables (sampling, interpolation and construction of isolines)
Use digital elevation models (DEMs) and their derivatives (slope, orientation, etc.);
Use geodata superposition techniques;
Produce cartographic docu

Official source

Related concepts (14)

Thematic map

A thematic map is a type of map that portrays the geographic pattern of a particular subject matter (theme) in a geographic area. This usually involves the use of map symbols to visualize selected properties of geographic features that are not naturally visible, such as temperature, language, or population. In this, they contrast with general reference maps, which focus on the location (more than the properties) of a diverse set of physical features, such as rivers, roads, and buildings.

Map

A map is a symbolic depiction emphasizing relationships between elements of some space, such as objects, regions, or themes. Many maps are static, fixed to paper or some other durable medium, while others are dynamic or interactive. Although most commonly used to depict geography, maps may represent any space, real or fictional, without regard to context or scale, such as in brain mapping, DNA mapping, or computer network topology mapping.

Map layout

Map layout, also called map composition or (cartographic) page layout, is the part of cartographic design that involves assembling various map elements on a page. This may include the map image itself, along with titles, legends, scale indicators, inset maps, and other elements. It follows principles similar to page layout in graphic design, such as balance, gestalt, and visual hierarchy. The term map composition is also used for the assembling of features and symbols within the map image itself, which can cause some confusion; these two processes share a few common design principles but are distinct procedures in practice.

Cartography

Cartography (kɑːrˈtɒgrəfi; from χάρτης chartēs, "papyrus, sheet of paper, map"; and γράφειν graphein, "write") is the study and practice of making and using maps. Combining science, aesthetics and technique, cartography builds on the premise that reality (or an imagined reality) can be modeled in ways that communicate spatial information effectively. The fundamental objectives of traditional cartography are to: Set the map's agenda and select traits of the object to be mapped. This is the concern of map editing.

Digital mapping

Digital mapping (also called digital or computer cartography) is the process by which a collection of spatial data is compiled and formatted into a virtual image on a computer. The primary function of this technology is to produce maps that give accurate representations of a particular area, detailing major road arteries and other points of interest. The technology also allows the calculation of distances from one place to another.

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