integrated ch 4 Flashcards
definition of cartography
The study and practice of making and using maps, combining science and art to produce effective communication tools for geospatial analysis.
types of maps
Reference Maps
Store a variety of features for general use.
Example: Topographic maps showing rivers, cities, and roads.
Thematic Maps
Focus on specific themes (e.g., population or climate).
Example: A vegetation map highlighting types of flora in a region.
Formal Maps
Follow established cartographic conventions; often for paper or official use.
Example: National Geographic maps.
Transitory Maps
Interactive and dynamic, allowing zooming, panning, and querying.
Example: Google Maps
principles of map design
Visual Hierarchy
Organizes map elements by importance.
Most important elements (e.g., map body) should stand out.
Font size, placement, and symbol prominence guide the user’s focus.
Balance
Ensures that the map layout is neither overcrowded nor sparse.
Sufficient white space is critical.
map symbolization
Purpose
Represents features on a map using visual variables.
Data Types
Qualitative Data
Descriptive; differences in kind or existence.
Example: Types of land use (residential, commercial).
Quantitative Data
Numerical; differences in amount or magnitude.
Example: Population density.
Geometric Features
Points: Represent discrete features (e.g., cities).
Lines: Represent continuous features (e.g., roads, rivers).
Polygons: Represent areas (e.g., parks, counties).
Visual Variables
Shape: Used for qualitative differences (e.g., symbols for hospitals vs. schools).
Size: Indicates quantitative differences (e.g., city population size).
Hue: Represents qualitative differences (e.g., land use types).
Value: Lightness or darkness indicates quantity or intensity.
miscommunication and misleading maps
Examples of Poor Design
1998 Cavalese Cable Car Disaster
Missing data on a map led to a fatal accident.
Death by GPS
Incorrect navigation led users into hazardous areas.
Misleading Symbolization
Using inappropriate colors, scales, or symbols to misrepresent data.
Example: Maps emphasizing urban areas while minimizing rural spaces.
How can poor map design lead to miscommunication or harm?
Miscommunication:
Misleading symbols, colors, or scales can distort data interpretation.
Ambiguous labeling may confuse users about locations or features.
Decision Errors:
Inaccurate data or unclear visuals can lead to faulty decisions in disaster response, urban planning, or navigation.
Inequity or Bias:
Poor representation of marginalized areas may reinforce inequality.
Safety Risks:
Misrepresenting hazards (e.g., flood zones) can endanger lives and property.
What is the difference between reference and thematic maps?
Answer: Reference maps show general features (e.g., roads, rivers), while thematic maps focus on specific themes (e.g., population, climate).
What are transitory maps?
Answer: Interactive and dynamic maps, such as Google Maps, allowing zooming and querying.
What is the main purpose of thematic maps?
Answer: To highlight specific themes, such as population density or vegetation types.
How are points used in maps?
Answer: To represent discrete features, such as cities.
What is the purpose of lines in maps?
Answer: To represent continuous features, such as rivers or roads.
How are polygons used in maps?
Answer: To represent areas, such as parks or counties.
What does hue represent on a map?
Answer: Qualitative differences, such as types of vegetation.
How is value used in map symbolization?
Answer: Lightness or darkness indicates quantity or intensity.
How can maps miscommunicate information?
Answer: Through poor design, such as inappropriate scales or misleading symbolization.
