NEW MAP GRAPHICS
Stanislav Franges
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Geodesy
Kaciceva 26, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
sfranges@public.srce.hr
KEYWORDS: map graphics, demands posed upon map graphics, current influences on map graphics
ABSTRACT:
The map graphics has been appropriate for classical photomechanical procedures, but today, when we deal with digital
procedures, it should be changed. It has been pointed out thereby that within the frame of the spirit of time, the map
graphics has been affected especially by various periods in art accompanied by the technology development. Referring
to the hardware, the influence of resolution is pointed out, and in connection with software the importance of tools
necessary for achieving adequate map graphics in digital cartography. Furthermore, the map graphics is especially
affected by geoinformation systems, and with respect to the spatial image, regardless of whether the map is in digital or
analogue format, the cartographic visualisation of space is imposed as the most important. In connection with the current
changes in map graphics, it is emphasised that the application of computers in cartography and the development of
analytical cartography have lead to the real and virtual maps, and after the cartographic presentations on the screen,
some more non-analogue cartographies products appeared, the most frequent being data sets, electronic atlases,
animated and multimedia presentations.
1. INTRODUCTION
Larger changes in the design of map graphics start mostly
with the production of new map products, however, the
changes are more or less limited by the tradition, the need
for harmonisation of symbols on map products in a single
state and by the need for standardisation within the
international frame. The map graphics has proved itself as
very successfully by being easily understood and
remembered, as well as by its further usage in map
products which is to follow in the future leading to the so
much necessary standardisation of map graphics on
official maps.
I would like to quote K.-H. Meine (1975): “Map graphics is
a mutual game of elements on a map”, and E. Imhof
(1985): “ Good map graphics is the essence of each good
map”.
2. MAP GRAPHICS AND ITS INGREDIENT PARTS
Map graphics is a special way of presenting spatial
objects. It is a system of symbols consisting of map
symbols and of mutual relationship of symbols (syntactic
dimension), the relationship of symbols according to the
presented objects (semantic dimension) and the
relationship of a user according to the symbols (pragmatic
dimension).
Today the map graphics can be realised with the help of
computers in at least equal or even higher quality than the
one made with manual or photomechanical procedures.
The usage of modern hardware and software yields a
series of new possibilities.
The map graphics contains (Fig. 1) basic geometric and
graphic elements: points, lines and areas, and the map
signs that we call symbols when they are applied for the
presentation of object position and quality. When map
signs are applied for the presentation of numerous values
of an object we call them diagrams. The map graphics
includes furthermore: rasters with half-tone being their
special case that can be used for clear presentation of
relief features, then as an independent element it must
include colour and obligatory lettering for the description
and titles of objects on a map.
Fig. 1. Ingredient parts of map graphics
3. DEMANDS POSED UPON MAP GRAPHICS
Before the consideration and making of demands has
commenced, one should reflect upon our experience of a
map or upon what is necessary to experience a map. This
question touches the essence of cartographic
communication itself. According to Uçar (1979), map is a
visually very clear and to a certain extent intuitive model
of space. Cartographic communication is graphical and
visual communication.
Flence, the sight is one of the most important bonds that
connect us with the environment, it is man’s bond with the
world. In map usage, the sight and its possibilities or
limitations set certain conditions, regardless whether the
maps are in analogous or digital form. These conditions
will be the most important in the case of making demands
in map graphics.
The formation of map graphics can also be, according to
Bos (1984), influenced by special circumstances in which
a map will be used. These are: the distance from which
