Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Non-technological Aspects in Atlas
Cartography Based on the Czech Approach
Alena Vondrakova
Introduction
Maps are produced for different target groups with different purposes and present
many different topics. They are created primarily by thematic experts in collabo-
ration with cartographers. However, with widespread access to geographic infor-
mation systems in the form of simple programs and on-line applications in which it
is possible to create maps without a technical background, maps are largely
produced by thematic experts without cartographic education or even by the general
public (Vo
ˇ
en
´
lek
2004
). Maps are very various, not only because of the potential
availability of technologies. The differences are due to the specifics of the presented
issue, the chosen methods of cartographic representation, professional education of
authors, graphic design, but mainly because of adaptation to the main purpose of the
map and the requirements and preferences of the target group.
In most cases, the non-technological aspects of map-making are influenced by
the subjective perception of cartographic works by individual users. Their impor-
tance is so fundamental that it is undoubtedly important to deal with them. Research
on non-technological aspects of map-making using expert system, modern scien-
tific methods and using available technology, brings a lot of knowledge and
recommendations for cartographic production process and different procedures
based on scientific knowledge in the field of cartography. On the basis of these
facts, the paper focuses on the definition of non-technological aspects of map
making, analyse and draw appropriate conclusions and recommendations for cre-
ating cartographic works.
The most complex process of map-making is usually associated with implemen-
tation of state map series, large mapping projects and almost always the complex
