56 
the map is observed, i.e. normal reading distance or 
observation from greater distance when the map is 
hanging on some wall; available time for studying the 
map, i.e. whether we have enough time for observing the 
map or whether it is intended for quick orientation, further 
on, the question whether the map is observed at day light 
or under special light and similar. 
It should be considered in this case that the sense of sight 
is created on the basis of received impulses as completely 
psychic event experienced individually. In order to have 
the sense of sight become the experience of sight, some 
higher psychic function should be involved as well, as for 
example memory, abstraction and similar. Hence, it can 
be concluded that we actually “watch” with brain 
(Knizhnikov, 1997). 
In “classical” manuals of cartography, as for example are 
those written by Peterca et al. (1974), Lovric (1988), Hake 
and Grunreich (1994), Robinson et al. (1995) or Francula 
(1999), various demands are stated that the map graphics 
should meet. The following three demands can be 
therefore demanded: 
legibility 
easy reference 
accuracy. 
Apart from that, the map graphics should meet also the 
demands that can be posed upon any graphic 
presentation, including the map. The following is of the 
greatest importance for the map graphics: 
- clearness 
aesthetic quality 
reproducibility. 
Each of the above stated demands (Fig. 2) can be carried 
out on single ingredient parts of the map graphics, but it is 
much more adequate to do it through their purposeful 
combining. It has quite certainly much greater importance 
for the formation of the efficient map graphic, and thus 
also for the map appropriate to the user. 
Fig. 2. Demands posed upon map graphics 
4. CURRENT INFLUENCES ON MAP GRAPHICS 
The new map graphics is principally connected only with 
the modern technology of digital mapping. In spite of the 
new era of geographic information systems and of the 
new purpose and usage of maps, one should not forget 
the significance of cartography and map usage before the 
computers started to be used. One should especially not 
neglect the inherited spectre of completely established 
means of cartographic presentation and thoroughly 
created means of cartographic expression that have 
valuable sources and origins (Wood, 1994). 
The map graphics is changing under the influence of the 
spirit of time, further under the influence of geoinformation 
systems and with regard to the map usage. So far, the 
map graphics has been in accordance to the classical 
photomechanical cartographic procedures. Today, when 
the digital procedures are used, it should be changed. 
Because of the above mentioned influences it is 
necessary to set the principals of new map graphics that 
will be completely in accordance with the modern 
communication and space visualisation. 
It should be pointed out that the application of computers 
and the development of analytical cartography have 
brought the concepts of real and virtual maps. A lot of 
cartographic products have namely appeared, e.g. images 
on screens and digital relief models that have escaped 
ordinary map frames as a permanent product on the 
paper. There are numerous digital databases created 
every day being accurately connected with the position on 
the Earth. These databases can be completed with digital 
images and sound. It has already been suggested to use 
unpleasant sound with the presentation of inaccurate data 
and pleasant sound or without sound with the usage of 
accurate and checked data. In some spatial presentations 
in the video environment the impression of uncertainty 
was tried to be created by obscuring the presentation or 
colour transfer among the classes. 
There are more and more electronic maps and atlases on 
CD-ROMs. The greatest advantage of a multimedia atlas, 
as compared with the printed one, is the speed of 
searching: changing map scale, transferring from one part 
of the Earth’s globe to another, searching a specific name 
etc. Apart from that, we are not limited by the given 
formats, but can choose ourselves the segment we are 
interested in. Furthermore, each map supplemented with 
our own data can be printed on paper. Of course, the 
multimedia atlas has also some disadvantages referring to 
the printed atlases. With respect to the graphic quality, the 
cartographic presentation on screen cannot be compared 
with the printed atlases, the classification of roads is 
insufficient, the algorithms for automatic title location are 
defective, etc. (Francula, 1999). 
The influence of Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) on 
cartography is enormous. WWW is unrivalled in its 
capability to offer a great amount of information to many 
users at minimum prices. The expenses of maintaining 
the server and connection with Internet are minimal 
related to the prices of producing and distributing CD- 
ROMs. Updating is quick and cheap. The atlases on CD- 
ROMs, as well as printed atlases become obsolete very 
quickly, and the atlases on WWW can always be available 
for users in the most updated state (Francula and 
Lapaine, 1999). 
The development of animation has contributed remarkably 
to visual thinking and communication, as well as to 
dynamic presentation of information. The most maps 
either those two-dimensional or three-dimensional, are 
namely static and contain respectfully adequate map 
graphics. The animation in cartography has contributed 
mostly to the dynamics of a map enabling thus direct 
presentation of movements and changes. The map 
graphics necessary for expressing the dynamics is very 
complex and still insufficiently researched (DiBiase et al., 
1992).