Basic Cartography

Florence A. Galeon
Assistant Professor
U.P. College of Engineering
Outline

II. Introduction
III. Definition and Value of Maps

IV. Characteristics of Maps

V. Classification of Maps

VI. Basic Map Elements

VII. Transfer Certificate of Title

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Cartography
 Cartography or mapmaking is the study and practice of
making maps or globes.
 word "cartography" is derived from the Greek words
chartes (sheet of papyrus) and graphy (writing).
 Maps have traditionally been made using pen and paper,
but the advent and spread of computers has
revolutionized cartography.
 Most commercial quality maps are
now made with map making software
that falls into one of three main types;
CAD, GIS, and specialized map
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illustration software.
Map
 It is an abstraction of reality
used for analyzing, storing,
and communicating
information about the
locations, attributes, and
interrelationship of physical
and social phenomena that
are distributed over the
earth’s surface.

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Maps

 Man, perhaps even since

pre-historic times, have
used maps of one form or
another.

 These maps were

engraved in wood, stone,
baked clay and animal skin.

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The Value of Maps
1. As a way of recording and storing
information

2. As a means of analyzing locational

distributions and spatial patterns

3. As a method of presenting information and

communicating findings
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Characteristics of Maps
1. Maps are drawn in a predetermined scale

• scale is a defined dimensional relationship between

reality and map

• scale sets a limit on the information that can be

included and the manner that the information can
be delineated or presented

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Characteristics of Maps

2. Maps are selective

• show only the features important for the purpose of

the map

• retain as many helpful features as can be shown

without crowding

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Characteristics of Maps

3.Maps emphasize certain selected features

Methods of Emphasis:

• large symbols
• heavy lines
• prominent colors (black, red)
• inscriptions
• pointing arrows

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4.Maps are
symbolized

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Topographic Map Symbols
Characteristics of Maps

5. Maps are generalized

• Generalization consists of
achieving a level of detail
appropriate for the purpose
of the map.
• Map should be useful and
recognizable
representation of the real
world, yet does not
overwhelm the viewer with
excessive details. 11
Characteristics of Maps

6. Maps are lettered, titled, and labeled

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Characteristics of Maps

7. Maps involve
transformations
of various kinds

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Classification of Maps

I. According to Scale

II. According to Function

III. According to Subject Matter

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Classification of Maps
I. According to Scale
1. Small-scale (1:500, 000 or more)

2. Medium-scale (between 1:50,000 and

1:500,000)

3. Large-scale (1:50,000 or less)

Note: There is no general consensus on the quantitative
limits of the terms small, medium, and large.
Terms are relative.

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Classification of Maps

II. According to Function

1. General maps (reference maps)

Objective:

To portray the spatial association of a selection of

diverse geographical phenomena shown (roads, coastlines,
bodies of water, elevation, etc)

Examples: topographic maps, maps of countries,

continents in atlases
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Sample Topographic and Google Maps

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Classification of Maps

2. Thematic maps

Objective:
 To illustrate a
special theme
usually of a scientific
or lay-oriented
character.

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 Classification of Maps
3. Charts
 They are designed to serve the purpose of the
navigators, nautical and aeronautical.

Ancient chart made of sticks Sample Modern Charts

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 Classification of Maps
III. According to Subject Matter

1. Cadastral map

 It shows the
geographic
relationship among
the various parcels of
land and records
property boundaries.
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Classification of Maps

2. Plan

 It is a detailed map
showing buildings,
roadways, boundary
lines and
administrative
boundaries.

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Sample Plan

Tunnel Engineering
Plan

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Classification of Maps

3. Soil Maps

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Sample Soil Map

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Classification of Maps
4. Geological Maps

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Classification of Maps

5. Climatic
Maps

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Thermal Zones
Map

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6. Economic
Maps

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Classification of Maps
7. Transportation Maps

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Classification of Maps

8. Population
Distribution
Maps

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Other Types

Road Maps 32
Rainfall Map

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Tourist Map

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Ethnic Language
Map

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Political Boundary
Map

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Elevation & Slope Maps

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Mineral Map

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Map Features

Points: Usually represented by a special symbol

or label.

Lines: Represent linear features such as roads,

streams, pipelines, cable lines, etc.

Polygon: Represent features such as lakes, parks

and reserves, forestry, county
boundaries, etc.
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Basic Map Elements
Neat line

 It is at which the various map elements

terminate.
 not always necessary to use
 possible to a fine line that provides a definite
frame or edge have the map run completely
off the page
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Map Elements

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Basic Map Elements
Border

 It is an additional line or set of lines drawn outside

the neatline and parallel to it.
 tendency is to use simple borders
 one common type is alternate black and white
bands

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Basic Map Elements
Title

 To a minimum, title usually identifies the

mapped region.
 on a thematic map, information about the topic
and date of data
 location varies considerably in relation to the
border and other map elements

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Basic Map Elements
Legend
 It lists the symbols used on a map and what
they depict.
 It should fully and clearly identify symbols that
require information.

Three Keys to Successful Arrangement of Legend

• Grouping

• Hierarchy

• Symmetry 45
Sample
Legend

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Basic Map Elements

Sources of Information and How

Processed

 Identify sources so that the user could, if

needed, track them down to check the
information and interpretation.

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Basic Map Elements

Graphic Scale

Standard: Select less ornate, make scale as

functional as possible.

Two Types:

1. First major division is subdivided into smaller unit

2. A set of subdivided units is added at the end of the scale

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Possible Locations:

•centered below map title

•within the legend box
•in blank area of map

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 Graticules and Grids
 It is a network of parallels and meridians.

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Types of Graticules

1. Full grid or graticule

Use: To locate features by use of coordinate

location of selected features

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Types of Graticules

2. Short lines (ticks )

3. Water- only grid or

graticule

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Basic Map Elements
Projection

• a mathematical model used to transform the

curved earth’s surface into a map

• influences the representation of area, distance,

direction, and shape

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 Inset

 It is a smaller
secondary map
shown with the
primary map.

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Types of Insets

• Enlargement

• Location Map

• Related Area

• Special Subject

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Basic Map Elements

North Arrow

• True north or
magnetic north?
• Many maps display both.

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Transfer Certificate of Title

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 Details
from
the TCT

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