Lecture 2: Designing maps and Geovisualization

Question 1

Cartography (definition)

Answer 1

The field which is involved with the graphic communication of spatial relationships and distributions, and includes the analysis and manipulation of geographic data to enhance representation

Def (in short): The art, science, and technology of producing, using and studying maps

Question 2

What are the types of generalization?

Answer 2

Classification: expressing the key characteristic of distribution
Simplification: determining important characteristics of feature attributes and elimination of non-important ones
Exaggeration: enlarging or altering the features in order to capture the real life world importance
Symbolization: assigning graphic marks on the maps to features from the real world
Induction: making inferences on relationships among features on the map

Question 3

What is a map?

Answer 3

A map is a primary tool for cartographic representation. A map is a static model of the spatial aspects of the real world

Question 4

Difference between a topographic and thematic map

Answer 4

Topographic: Deals primarily with physical characteristics (Example: rivers, trees, mountains)
Thematic: Deals with themes (Example: A data layer where people live and the streets)

Question 5

What colour scheme does a computer use VS printers

Answer 5

Computer: RGB
Printer: CMYK

Question 6

Geovisualization

Answer 6

Refers to techniques and tools designed to interactively visualize spatial phenomena

Question 7

Spatial thinking

Answer 7

finds meaning in the shape, size,
orientation, location, direction or
trajectory of objects, processes or
phenomena
- finds meaning in the relative
spatial positions of multiple
objects, processes or phenomena