58
appearing towards test maps on which the map graphics
has been changed considerably as compared to the one
existing so far. Those who stick to the preservation of the
old or to the establishment of the surviving achievements
will take such maps as dangerous being new and as an
unnecessary step into the unknown. Those who tend to
carry out more radical changes will notice that map
graphics should have been changed even more. If smaller
changes of map graphics are carried out on test maps,
the critics will be directed mostly on the account of too
small operations done.
Fig. 4. Some of test maps (Knin and Zagreb), originally
colour test maps (Franges, 1998).
The test maps are indispensable as the evidence of
successfully made research and analysis. Figure 4 shows
some of test maps made in the dissertation (Franges,
1998). Their production was intended for achieving at
least some of the aspirations referring to the changes of
map graphics and deriving from the demands made
before:
- appropriate legibility due to the enlargement of
minimal sizes, but not visually at the expense of
graphic density, and due to the application of known
features;
- clearness due to the fulfilment of the conditions
referring to the simplicity, contrasting quality and layer
arrangement which is not possible to be checked
completely because only the cut outs, and not entire
map sheets characterised by the clearness, have been
made;
accuracy due to the control of positioning accuracy
referring to the pattern and due to the consistent
following of accuracy symbols;
- appropriate plainness due to the fulfilment of the
demands of symbols, especially by symbols and
colour, due to the traditional behaviour and hierarchic
organisation of map graphics, with special attention to
the creation of the series of symbols from the basic
form and to the length of symbols;
- aesthetics due to the realisation of harmony, to the
accordance of all applied elements of map graphics
and the beauty, due to the symbols and the selection
of colours, and to the typography;
- reproducibility due to the fulfilment of the quality
conditions with the special emphasis on the resolution,
due to the preparation for the six-colour print (CMYK +
grey for shadows + brown for contour lines). This wish
has been most badly realised because of the technical
and material possibilities.
6. CONCLUSION
In order to have the changes in map graphics carried out,
one should respect definite items:
- Appropriate map graphics is one of the most important
presumptions for good map presentation on the paper
and for the visualisation on the screen.
- A user demands appropriate map graphics and a clear
visibility as well, accompanied by irreproachable
understanding of a map.
- Available software systems should be improved further
on for the mapping application, and easier to learn and
use.
- The generale scale of a database is an illusion in
cartography.
- Maps on the screen cannot replace analogous prints
completely, but they can supplement them very
successfully, and vice versa.
- Today everyone makes maps, and the map graphics
has not been given necessary attention.
- One should accept that none of the achieved levels in
map graphics is so completed that it could not be
improved further on.
References
Bos, E. S., 1984. Systematic symbol design in
cartographic education. ITC Journal, 1, pp. 20-28.
DiBiase, D., MacEachren, A. M., Krygier, J. B., Reeves,
C., 1992. Animation and the Role of Map Design in
Scientific Visualization. Cartography and Geographic
Information Systems, 4, 201-214, pp. 265-266.
