Cartography Research Paper

Since the ancient time, Cartography has an important role in human society (MacEachren & Kraak, 2001). Moreover, the results of this domain, namely maps, have been a decisive tool in political movements, geographical discoveries and wars to conquer new territories. Having such a long history and many important roles in the actual geopolitical aspect of the world, cartography and maps have developed simultaneously with technology.

Maps are the most significant tool to visualize the location and attributes of the objects, but also diverse phenomenon present at the Earth’s surface. Maps can enhance the understanding of the relationships between different environments and features.

Since we are living in the digital period, when computational techniques

Furthermore, maps are used in a great number of applications in diverse domains. In order to have maps available into digital format, data regarding natural and human features must be transformed into digital data. This process was done using GIS software, tools and methods. Since the 1980’s, digital mapping has gained more interest and the computer has become a common tool in mapping design.

There are numerous advantages of using GIS methods in cartography and mapping. First of all, maps may be updated with new information whenever is necessary and new maps are obtained. Updating a map using GIS can reduce considerably the time to generate new maps, since the template is already done. Secondly, statistical data can be joined with spatial data and the results may display spatial and graphically different types of statistical data. Furthermore, GIS methods work based on interoperability capabilities, meaning that digital spatial data can be utilized in various GIS software and web-mapping platforms.

In order to obtain digital data, the process called vectorization or digitizing is necessary. Prior to digitization, it is necessary to add spatial reference to the scanned maps. By adding a spatial reference to a scanned map, a map projection is

Since most of the entrepreneurs have discovered the benefits of location based services, GIS will have a constantly growth in economic domain too.

Concluding, GIS has a significant role in boosting Cartography and maps. All over the world, GIS is a tool used in numerous fields and GIS users increase constantly each day. Only by analyzing the contributors of Open Street Maps, you may realize that digital data are increasing and more experts in GIS domain are available.

Could you imagine a world without digital maps? Could you imagine your life without mobile applications showing the location of your hotel or the desired restaurant? Assuming that your answer to these questions is “NO”, as Cartographer and GIS expert I believe that this reverse process is not possible and the development of digital maps and GIS domains will increase considerably in the next few