Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
aesthetics (graphic) rendering of maps significantly affects map reading by user,
especially time-consuming search for the required information and the accuracy of
the information received.
In atlas cartography is very significant influence of specific needs of the target
user group (school atlases for various levels of primary and secondary schools,
scientific thematic atlases for professionals, etc.). In school atlases for younger
students is elected more artistic style, while the scientific thematic atlases often use
austere expression without any graphic design process. Atlases also should always
be presented in consistent graphically and aesthetics design.
Aesthetics of maps is needed to evaluate by representative group of respondents
from the target group of users because evaluation from different groups of respon-
dents may be completely irrelevant. To evaluate the aesthetics of maps there must
be used a combination of research methods and a multidisciplinary approach
involving knowledge of psychology, art, cartography, and other related fields.
Conceptual aspect of cartographic products is mainly related to the content of
map and is directed to a method of presenting information and results of the analysis
and synthesis of input data in the map. In connection with the creation of thematic
maps, there are many information concepts: communication, systemic, cognitive,
mathematical and cartographic modeling, language, etc. A more general approach
to the conceptual aspect is the distribution of cartographic works according to their
concept to groups of analytical, synthetic and complex maps.
Analysis of the conceptual aspect and the evaluation of case study led to the
following information: in the largest quantities there are produced analytical maps,
in a lesser extent are produced complex maps and in the least number are produced
synthetic maps; there is no automatic tools for map synthesis, because the process
always need an expert opinion on the issue being addressed; map synthesis has an
irreplaceable role in atlas cartography and should be provided within the profes-
sional treatment of the topic. This aspect is more important for the atlas cartography
than, for example, the creation of monothematic editions (tourist maps, cycling
maps, etc.). It is also always important to pay attention to the object and purpose
of maps.
Economic aspect is an important part of the process of cartographic production.
Determining is a demand and purchasing power of potential users of cartographic
products. Ensuring economic requirements is the determinant of the success of the
cartographic project implementation, so there must be given great attention. Data
relevant to the economic plan are usually obtained from research among users of
maps, market analysis, analysis of the experience of publishing cartographic prod-
ucts and other similar procedures. Atlas cartography is economically one of the
most expensive areas of map making.
Detailed analysis of the economic aspect and the evaluation of case study has led
to the following information: economic arrangement is an existential condition for
the implementation of the project in cartographic production; basic requirement for
exact economic planning is target market and users exploration; there are many
cartographic publishing houses, which focus only on custom manufacturing or only
on the creation of free products; users perceive the price of cartographic works as
