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graphics, but cost-effective map/atlas production, and quality maps/atlases,
but poor cost-effectiveness.
The atlas toolbox (ATB) is one practical solution to the continuing prob-
lem of cost-effective production in atlas cartography (Asche 2009a,b). In
brief, the ATB provides components and modules to compose atlas maps
and complete atlases from existing building blocks. Professional map
quality is the principal goal of any professional map production, whether
analogue or digital. To produce quality maps and atlases, such contrasting
requirements of product versatility, professional cartographic visualisation
and economic viability will have to be accommodated in a modular pro-
duction concept. One particular aspect of the ATB, the rule-based con-
struction of atlas maps using the modular principle is discussed here.
Particular attention is given to professional cartographic visualisation of
map data.
2- The production environment: GIS+VIS
The use of geoinformation systems (GIS) in cartography allows for the
production of map graphics from the corresponding geometry and attribute
data in the GIS database. GIS packages available in the IT marketplace fall
into two broad categories: commercial software systems (like the market
leader ArcGIS) or free and open-source software systems (like the open-
source Quantum GIS or GRASS). GIS lack both the graphics functionality
and quality characteristic of state-of-the art graphics or map construction
packages (such as the Illustrator or Nuages software systems), summarised
here as visualisation systems (VIS). That is why quality map production is,
to date, mainly based on graphics software systems, either directly or
indirectly. In the first case, graphics packages, and to a minor extent, map
construction systems, are the sole means of map production. In the second
case, VIS packages are used to finalise the raw map visualisations
imported from GIS. What would be required instead is a combined GIS-
VIS system at the heart of a professional map production environment.
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