Cartography in the age of Geographic Information Science

Rok, strany: 2003, 267 - 278

Although cartography and GISystems can be regarded as separate disciplines they do overlap and have common roots. This paper traces origins and attempts to identify a more holistic field in which ”cartography” and GISystems contribute to the common human requirement to solve spatial problems. The first real maps, traced in sand, were early examples of this. However the growth of the traditional discipline led to classes of expert collecting and transform the data into graphic information as published maps. The result was a map-making/map-use dichotomy which, effectively, separated those having to solve problems from those creating the map tools to help them. The arrival of computers, global communication and multimedia has had a profound effect on cartography. Experts still operate in different areas – from specialised design to the application of maps in research and analysis – but new interactive web-based facilities now offer even general users the possibility to start employing cartography (and not just pre-printed maps) directly. This interactive process of seeking, assembling and modifying maps and data on the Web is leading to a shift from the dichotomy paradigm, and a move back to a more basic situation. Users – expert and novice – can now become involved, more directly in ”using cartography”, rather than just ”using maps”. So GISystems and GIScience have not isolated themselves from mapping. Mapping (and cartography) are integral to the whole procedure of spatial problem-solving. Key words: cartography, map, geographic information system, geographic information science

ISO 690:

Wood, M. 2003. Cartography in the age of Geographic Information Science. In Geografický časopis, vol. 55, no.4, pp. 267-278. 0016-7193.

APA:

Wood, M. (2003). Cartography in the age of Geographic Information Science. Geografický časopis, 55(4), 267-278. 0016-7193.