Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
base, then the message comes across that the policies are irrevocable and
that the information contained in the plan is reliable, trustworthy and 'scient-
ific' (a regulatory approach). Several criteria have been chosen to opera-
tionalise the 'level of abstraction' of cartographic representations. First, this is
the graphic representation of the outline of the territory (i.e. whether it is very
detailed, generalised, or a 45° outline, as has been employed for the German
Raumordnungspolitischer Orientierungsrahmen (BMBau, 1993) and the
French trend scenarios within the ESDP process (see Chapter 5)). Second,
the 'logical differentiation' of elements on the 'map' is analysed. Junius
(1991b) has differentiated between the 'site-specific', 'schematised' or
'schematic' cartographic representation of symbols (cf. Box 4.1). The third
criterion chosen to operationalise the 'level of abstraction' of policy maps
relates to the graphic differentiation of area symbols. A strict delineation com-
municates certainty with regard to the impact of the spatial policy (that is: 'in'
or 'out'), whereas fuzzy boundaries imply a transition area or flexibility with
regard to the territorial effect of spatial policy. Likewise (and as the fourth cri-
terion to describe the level of abstraction), Junius (1991b) has differentiated
between 'territorially true' and 'locationally true' point and line symbols on
'plan maps'. This criterion, clearly, has a close link with the scale used and
the availability of a topographic map base. The last criterion to operationalise
the 'level of abstraction' of cartographic representations relates to the use of
colour, which can vary from very strong and solid colours (possibly communi-
cating certainty) to pale, soft or mute colours (which might communicate a
more tentative proposal). The distinction of the level of abstraction according
to the criteria set out is of course conceptualised as being fluid and transi-
tional. In order to be able to establish a certain grading, two 'extremes' were
assumed to limit the scale, that is, a very precise planning map based on a
topographic map base with site-specific boundaries on the far left-hand side
to represent the 'scientific' and detailed model (as for example a binding local
land use plan in Germany), and the carte-modèles as suggested by Brunet
(1987) as an extreme to represent the far right-hand side of 'artistic' and
abstract cartographic representations. Clearly, there is a certain degree of
subjectivity involved in an analysis according to these criteria. However, if
undertaken in a systematic manner, and by relating the different cartographic
representations under study to each other, such an approach can provide an
interesting insight into the 'message' of cartographic representations in
planning.
The complexity of cartographic representations is understood as an expres-
sion of the number of elements (symbols), and the number of categories
listed in the key. By categories, overall 'themes' are meant, such as for
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