INTRODUCTION TO CARTOGRAPHY IN GIS
AND GPS
Dr. Zhang
Fall 2016 – GISC 1401.
Introduction
• Cartography today:
• In the midst of a revolution in technology caused by a pervasive use of
computers (pc).
• Refer to as Digital cartography (vs analog cartography – use of photography
and plastic films)
• Demand for cartographic products is increasing.
Maps: The map has two important functions:
• It serves as a storage medium for information which humanity needs.
Introduction - Cont
The digital database is replacing the printed map as
the storage medium for geographic information.
• It provides visualizations on many different media now
satisfy the second function served previously by printed
maps. It provides a picture of the world to help us
understand the spatial patterns, relationships and
complexity of the environment.
Problem:
(1). Data – A serious shortcoming in the use of
digital technology in current cartography is the
lack of data in readily usable forms;
(2). Users – Another problem is a lack of skilled
professionals.
Introduction - Cont
• Cartography tomorrow:
• New map forms and new uses (users): individual access and use of very large
spatial databases will become commonplace. new media, internet, open
data, etc
https://www.govloop.com/resources/leveraging-power-open-data-gis/
• Mapping processing is being decentralized. The map user is taking on more
of the actual map production chores. It requires expanded emphasis on
cartographic education.
• New standards – Standards are needed for data quality, data exchange,
hardware and software interoperability.
Cartography and Maps
• What is a map:
The graphic representation of the geographic setting.
• What is Cartography:
Making and study of maps in all their aspects.
• Basic characteristics of maps
• Locations: positions in two-dimensional space, such as places with
coordinates x, y.
• Attributes: qualities or magnitudes, such as languages or temperatures.
http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/HistoricPres/HistoricPreservationManual/historic_districts/main_street_boundaries.html
Cartography and Maps-Cont
• Reductions: a defined dimensional relationship between reality and the map, is called
scale. The scale sets a limit on the information that can be included.
• Transformations: transform a spherical surface (essentially the shape of the earth) to a
surface that is easier to work with. Such a systematic transformation is called map
projection. It is often convenient to use map referencing systems called plane coordinate
grids. Coordinate systems depend on map projections for their accuracy.
• Abstractions: The real world is so complex. Maps portray only the information that has
been chosen to fit the use of the map. This information is subjected to a variety of
operations such as classification and simplifications, to make it easier to understand.
• Signs and marks: Maps use signs to stand for elements of reality. These signs make up the
symbolism of cartography. Signs consist of various marks ( lines, dots, colors, tones,
patterns, and so on).
Cartography and Maps-Cont
• Categories of Maps
(1) Purposes Maps serve:
• Primary objective is to store geographic information in spatial format.
• Mobility and navigation.
• Analytical: measuring and computing.
• Statistical: spatial forecasting and spotting trends.
• Others.
(2) Three categories:
• Classed by scale – the ratio between the dimensions of the map and those of
reality is called map scale
• Small-scale map : with ratios of 1 to 500,000
• Large-scale map: with ratios of 1 to 50,000
Cartography and Maps-Cont
• Classed by function:
• General reference maps: With some maps, the objective is to show the
locations of a variety of different features, such as water bodies, coastlines,
and roads.
• Thematic Maps (Special purpose maps) : Maps concentrate on the
distribution of a single attribute or the relationship among several.
• Charts: Maps especially designed to serve the needs of navigators, nautical
and aeronautical.
Cartography and Maps-Cont
• Classed by subject matter
• Cadaster maps: the official list of property owners and their land holdings.
• Plans: these are detailed maps showing buildings, roadways, boundary lines
visible on the ground, and administrative boundaries.
• Soil maps, geological maps, climatic maps, and so on without end.
Cartography and GIS
• Cartography and GIS
• Maps play a key role in GIS, and geographic information
systems are crucial in modern mapping. The bulk of the
data used in a GIS are digitized or scanned from existing
map sources. The output from a GIS is also largely
cartographic.
• Then need for integration of hardware, software, and
data in modern mapping in order to avoid work-stopping
incompatibilities means that a GIS is becoming the
cartographic tool of choice in a growing number of
situations. A trend toward greater analytical use of
cartographic data has also increased the popularity of GIS
technology.
Cartography and GIS - Cont
• The scope of Cartography: four processes in
Cartography
• Collecting and selecting the data for mapping;
• Manipulating and generalizing the data, designing and
constructing the map;
• Reading or viewing the map;
• Responding to or interpreting the information.
Resources, lab and assignment
• ESRI Online Map Gallery:
https://www.esri.com/esri-news/maps
http://mycity.houstontx.gov/public
• Lab and assignment:
Chapter 1:
Tutorial 1-1 to 1-9.
Assignment 1-1, 1-2
Due date: Monday, 08/29/2016.