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The nature of maps - Lecture notes 2
Geographical Perspectives (ENV-4010Y)
University of East Anglia
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Geographical Perspectives – module 4010Y
The nature of maps
Aims of this part of the module:
o To recognise how maps reflect the geographical knowledge and beliefs of their creators o To appreciate key choices that influence the content and appearance of a map
Maps are a distinctive tool used by geographers – “if the problem cannot be fundamentally studied by maps – usually by a comparison of several maps - then it’s questionable whether or not it is withing the field geography” (Richard Hartshome 1939)
Maps reflect the ‘world view’ of their creators – “ maps are as much about existence as orientation ” (Brotton 2014)
World’s oldest globe
o Created between 1492 and 1494 o Created for the Nuremberg City Council o Created by seafarer Martin Behaim (European)
What’s missing from the globe?
o Antarctica o The Americas o Australia
They weren’t known by the European societies at that time.
1492: Columbus discovered America (Portuguese)
What is a map?
o The term ‘map’ was first used in English in the 16th century – two common contemporary definitions are:
“Graphic representations that facilitate a spatial understanding of things, concepts, conditions, processes or events in the human world” – Harley and Woodwrd, 1987, The History of Cartography
“A representation, normally to scale and on a flat medium, or a selection of material on the earth’s surface” – International Cartographic Association, 1980
Creating a map
The process of map creation involves a series of choices that will reflect factors such as the purpose, intended audience and societal knowledge/beliefs and available tools.
1. Reduction: as the scale becomes smaller so the content needs to be more generalised
Small scale map: only main features of a larger area Large scale map: lots of detail for a relatively small area
o Photographic reduction can result in too much detail in a small image, making it unreadable o Cartographic generalisation ‘zooms’ in, reducing detail but making the image more readable
Can cartographic generalisation make a map misleading?
o Yes, if you don’t consider the scale o No because otherwise the map is too unreadable
2. Projection: mathematical equations can be used to make such geometrical transformation
The surface of the earth is curved but must be shown as a flat sheet, whether it’s projected through:
a. Azimuthal projection b. Conical projection c. Cylindrical projection
The nature of maps - Lecture notes 2
Module: Geographical Perspectives (ENV-4010Y)
University: University of East Anglia
