Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Thematic atlases are comprehensive cartographic products whose content fol-
lows the structure and logic of the central theme. The maps in the thematic atlas are
organized gradually from simple analytical maps of the theme components. The
chapters correspond to these components and lead to the complex and synthetic
maps. By arranging chapters and maps each thematic atlas follows a line explana-
tion of basic research issues that initiated the formulation of the atlas objectives.
The content of the thematic atlas is arranged like a story topic—from simple to
complex, from basic information to the culmination as the main message. This is
mostly contained in the maps typology and regionalization.
The basic structure of the central theme of the atlas can be described by systems
theory, which is in a range of disciplines to current research paradigm (Bossel
2007
). A multitude of complex spatial systems pursuing their own agenda shapes
the dynamics of the world (Getis et al.
2010
). Better understanding of their actions
and interactions is crucial, and can be achieved by a profound knowledge of
systems and their properties, and their representation in models allowing simulation
of probable behavior. Atlases are the perfect tool for it. Drawing on extensive
geographical research in modeling and simulation of a wide range of spatial
systems—from natural to social systems—atlases represents specific ways of the
fundamental concepts and approaches for understanding and modeling the complex
systems shaping the dynamics of our world.
All relationships which are essential for a systemic expression of the central atlas
theme must be preserved when they are visualized. The basic tool for the expression
of these relationships is a map language. The relationships in the theme are reflected
in the relationships in geovisualization methods that convey all relationships into a
map symbol. The relationships are also maintained in a graphics design of the atlas.
The relationship in a map means the relationship between symbols within map
language. There are many relationships originating from a nature of cartographic
information conveying—attributes of a real phenomenon are represented by symbol
variables (Bertin
1983
). Basic understanding is that properties of spatial phenomena
are expressed by variables of map symbols. Due to this the similar phenomena
(objects or processes) are expressed by similar symbols (in colour, size, pattern
etc.). The level of similarity can be difficult to define because most pairs of the
object have both similar and different characteristics. The relationships concern a
map, map series, atlas structure, atlas design, text, graphs, tables, figures, indexes
etc. Each map language relationship represents links between real world and map
because it expresses relationships in real system (identical attribute phenomena)
with relationships in map language (identical values in symbol variables). The
relationships are immersed in shape, size, colour, pattern, thickness and other
symbol variables. The relationships in a particular map correspond with groups in
map legend.
The relationships related to map language are in:
• map series
The requirements on map language are too general and do not differ from one map
to another. When producing a single map, the scope of cartographic creativity in a
