Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
'journey' is paramount. Using the defined geographical 'picture' that is
used in the corridor provided by the tour or itinerary only a small view of
what reality really is provided and therefore a true appreciation of what
constitutes the 'real world', and where the user 'fits' into that world, can-
not be had.
4- Models of the world
A number of fundamental spatial concepts have been proposed, to define
space and place, including:
•
Space and Process - Blaut 1961
•
Theoretical Geography - Bunge 1962
•
Identification of some Fundamental Spatial Concepts - Nystuen 1963
•
Geography, Geometry and Explanation - Sack 1973
•
Perceptual space - Downs and Stea, 1977
•
Transperceptual space
a. Small-scale perceptual space (used in maps to represent large-
scale space)
b. Large-scale perceptual space - defined as large-scale space in
Kuiper's model of spatial knowledge acquisition (Kuiper, 1978)
•
Experiential and Formal models - Mark and Frank 1996a
•
Written/Verbal - Mark and Frank 1996b
Developing maps requires working with an accepted model of the world.
For example, maps provide graphic descriptions of data to enable map
users to visualise geographic data. As the data refers to positions on the
curved surface of the Earth (latitude and longitude), the map (plane sur-
face) needs to have certain characteristics, such as equivalence of areas,
retention of shape and equidistance. For instance, when calculating areas
on a map it is essential that complementary points on a map and the Globe
contain the same area. For topographic mapping it is essential that the
correct shape of mapped features be retained. Also, for navigation purposes,
as the sailing line of a ship on the earth's surface remains constant, it
should be projected as a straight line on a map. Here map projections are
used to transform 3D information into 2D representations that can be
printed or viewed on a computer screen. But, what is more pertinent is
what 'view' or model we have of the earth before actually attempting to
depict it at all?
