MAPS AND CARTOGRAPHY

SHORT AND cartography

A map is a graphic representation or scale model of spatial concepts. It is a means of transportation of spatial information. Map is a universal means of communication, easily understood and appreciated by most people, regardless of language or culture. Incorporated into a map, is the understanding that it is a "snapshot" of an idea, a single image, a selection of concepts from a database, changing geographic information systems (Merriam 1996).

Antique Maps provide much information about what was known in antiquity as well as philosophy and cultural base of the leaves, which were often very different from modern maps. Maps are a means by which researchers distribute their ideas and transmit to future generations (Merriam 1996). 

Early Maps 

Cartography is the art and science to make cards. The oldest map is preserved in Babylonian clay tablets from around 2300 BC Cartography was considerably advanced in ancient Greece. The concept of a spherical Earth was well known among the Greek philosophers Aristotle (ca. 350 BC) and has been accepted by all geographers since. 

Greek and Roman cartography reached a culmination with Claudius Ptolemy (Ptolemy, circa 85-165). His "world map" represents the old world, from about 60 ° north latitude and 30 ° S. He wrote a monumental work Guide to Geography, which remains an authoritative reference on world geography until the Renaissance. 

Medieval Maps 

During the Middle Ages, was the map of Europe dominated by religious beliefs. T-O maps were common. This map format, Jerusalem was depicted at the center and east was oriented toward the top of the card. Viking explorations in the North Atlantic gradually were incorporated into the vision of the world in the early 12th century. Meanwhile, cartography developed more practical and realistic lines in Arabic countries, including the Mediterranean. All cards, of course, sign and light in hand, as did the short, very limited distribution. 

Renaissance Maps 

The invention of printing made maps much more widely available beginning in the 15th century. The cards were printed first with carved wooden blocks (see above). Among the most important cartographers of this period was Sebastian Münster Basel (now Switzerland). His Geographia, published in 1540, became the new world standard for the world map. 

Printing with engraved copper plates appeared in the 16th century and remained the standard until photographic techniques were developed. Great advances in cartography took place in the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16 century. Map makers responded with diagrams representing coastal, islands, rivers, ports and sailing characteristics of interest. Lines Compass navigation aids included other, projections of new maps were developed, and balloons were built. These maps and globes were kept at a great value for economic, military and diplomatic so often was seen as national or commercial secrets - classified or proprietary cards. 

The first set of world maps began to appear in 16th century, after traveling to Columbus and the New World. The first real-world map is due to Martin Waldseemüller in the 1507th This map uses a projection of Ptolemy expanded, and was the first map to use the name America for the New World. 

World Map 

The cards were increasingly accurate and factual during the 17th, 18th and 19 using scientific methods. Many countries undertook national mapping programs. Much of the world was little known until the widespread use of aerial photography after World War modern cartography is based on a combination of field observations and remote sensing. 

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) emerged in 1970-a period of 80 years. GIS is a major paradigm shift in cartography. In the traditional role () mapping, the map is both the database and display of spatial information. GIS, database, analysis and visualization is physically and conceptually different aspects of the management of geographic data. Geographic Information Systems including hardware, software, digital data, people, organizations and institutions to collect, store, analyze and display geo referenced information on Earth (Nyerges 1993). 

What is a map? 

The maps are realistic representations of the real world? No - never! Field measurements are prone to errors of accuracy and precision. Air photos and satellite images are only certain parts of the spectrum of light filtered through the atmosphere and detection instruments. No map can represent all the physical, biological and cultural characteristics of the smallest zone. A map can only show some selected features, which are usually represented in highly symbolic styles under one form of classification scheme. Therefore, all cards are estimates, generalizations, and interpretations of real geography.

All maps are made by certain assumptions, for example-Mar-level data, which is not always true or verifiable. Finally, any map is a product of human activity, and as such may be subject to unintentional errors, misrepresentations, biases, or direct fraud. Despite these limitations, the maps proved very flexible and useful through several millennia of human civilization. Maps of all kinds are of fundamental importance in modern society.