Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
THE GRAPHIC AND LINGUISTIC STRUCTURE OF CARTOGRAPHIC
REPRESENTATIONS IN THE ESDP
In this section, the mapping products of the ESDP process will be reviewed. The
analysis focuses on those 'policy maps' under the French, Italian and Dutch presi-
dencies (cf. Plate 11 and Figures 5.1-5.2) which aimed at illustrating the three
ESDP policy aims, i.e. polycentric spatial development and a new urban-rural rela-
tionship; parity of access to infrastructure and knowledge, and wise management
of the natural and cultural heritage. The criteria for analysis, such as the level of
abstraction, the complexity and the policy issues covered, are based on the frame-
work as set out in Boxes 4.1 and 4.2 (Chapter 4).
Figure 5.7 gives an overview of the level of abstraction in the three groups of
ESDP 'maps'. Clearly, the French trend scenarios are the most generalised in graphic
terms, in comparison with the other two. This is related to the production technique
(graphic design software versus GIS/spatial analysis software), which allows different
'Scientific'/Detailed
'Artistic'/Abstract
Outline of
territory
detailed
generalised
'45-degree'
Logical
differentiation
site-specific
schematised
schematic
Area symbols
strict
medium-strict
fuzzy
Point and line
symbols
locationally true
territorially true
Use of colour
strong, solid
pale, soft
ESDP 'policy maps'
French trend scenarios (1995)
Italian Presidency (1996)
First official draft ESDP (1997)
Figure 5.7
Level of abstraction in cartographic representations on the polycentric urban system, access
to infrastructure and knowledge, and the natural and cultural heritage in the ESDP process
