Text 5

1. Read and translate the text:

Essentials of Mapmaking

In view of the variety of maps, we may find it difficult to summarize what they all have in common. Cartography, being an art and science of map-making, does include a series of processes that are common to all the maps. These processes that may also be referred to as essentials of maps are:

• scale

• map projection

• map generalization

• map design

• map construction and production

Scale: we know that all maps are reductions. The first decision that a map-maker has to take is about the scale of the map. The choice of scale is of utmost importance. The scale of a map sets limits of information contents and the degree of reality with which it can be delineated on the map.

Projection: we also know that maps are a simplified representation of the three-dimensional surface of the earth on a plane sheet of paper. The transformation of all-side-curved-geoidal surface into a plane surface is another important aspect of the cartographic process. We should know that such a radical transformation introduces some unavoidable changes in directions, distances, areas and shapes from the way they appear on a geoid. A system of transformation of the spherical surface to the plane surface is called a map projection. Hence, the choice, utilization and construction of projections are of prime importance in map-making.

Generalization: every map is drawn with a definite objective. For example, a general purpose map is drawn to show information of a general nature such as relief, drainage, vegetation, settlements, means of transportation, etc. Similarly, a special purpose map exhibits information pertaining to one or more selected themes like population density, soil types or location of industries. It is, therefore, necessary to plan carefully the map contents while the purpose of the map must be kept in the forefront. As maps are drawn at a reduced scale to serve a definite purpose, the third task of a cartographer is to generalize the map contents. In doing so, a cartographer must select the information (data) relevant to the selected theme and simplify it as per the needs.

Map design: the fourth important task of a cartographer is the map design. It involves the planning of graphic characteristics of maps including the selection of appropriate symbols, their size and form, style of lettering, specifying the width of lines, selection of colours and shades, arrangement of various elements of map design within a map and design for map legend. The map design is, therefore, a complex aspect of mapmaking and requires thorough understanding of the principles that govern the effectiveness of graphic communication.

Map construction and production: the drawing of maps and their reproduction is the fifth major task in the cartographic process. In earlier times, much of the map construction and reproduction work used to be carried out manually. Maps were drawn with pen and ink and printed mechanically. However, the map construction and reproduction has been revolutionized with the addition of computer assisted mapping and photo-printing techniques in the recent past.

2. Answer the following questions:

1. What can we define as essentials of maps?

2. What does the scale of a map set?

3. How is a system of transformation of the spherical surface to the plane surface called?

4. What objectives are different maps drawn with?

5. How must a cartographer select information for mapping?

6. What does the process of map design include?

7. Why is the map design an important aspect of mapmaking? What does it require?

8. What were earlier maps drawn with?

9. How are map construction and reproduction made nowadays?

3. Complete the sentences:

1. The most important aspects in mapmaking are …

2. All maps are …

3. … sets limits of information contents and the degree of reality.

4. Maps are a simplified representation of …

5. General purpose map is drawn to show information of a general nature such as …

6. Map design involves the planning of graphic characteristics of maps including …

7. … is a complex aspect of mapmaking and requires thorough understanding of the principles that govern the effectiveness of graphic communication.

8. Map construction and reproduction has been revolutionized with the addition …