Cartography
GEO 225, Fall 2005
Geography & Meteorology Valapariso University

What is a Map?

Questions to guide your reading and our discussion.

What is a Map?

What essential qualities make a map a map?

Does it have to be visual?

How is a Thematic Map different from a general reference map?

How does one read a map?

What is the difference between cartographic communication and geographic visualization?

What are some of the consequences of technological change for cartography?

Steps in communicating cartographic information

1. Consider real world distribution of phenomena
2. Determine the purpose of the map
3. Collect appropriate data
4. Design and construct a map-a big step
5. Evaluate usability

Concepts that you should should take away from today's reading: Thematic Map, general reference map, Three uses of thematic maps, Steps for communicating map information, effects of technological change on cartography, geographic visualization, GIS, Remote Sensing, Perception , Cognition, behaviorist view, cognitive view, 3 types of memory (iconic, short term, long term), postmodernism.