Description

Cartography is the study and practice of making maps. Combining science, aesthetics, and technique, cartography builds on the premise that reality can be modeled in ways that communicate spatial information effectively. The application of Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) continues to grow as a global research tool for understanding the world around us. Cartography, the process of making maps, has benefited greatly from advancements in GIS technology in recent years. The number of students earning degrees in cartography has risen considerably in the past decade to keep pace with the demands of technology and consumer needs. Modern cartography influences our lives in ways that probably don't seem obvious to most of us. Services that are simple for users, such as ordering rideshare from apps like Uber or Lyft are only possible due to innovations in modern cartography. Geographic information systems (GIS), the ultimate culmination of cartography and modern technology, allow us to map our world like never before: from rendering 3D oceanic base maps to find the nearest dry cleaner. Modern cartography has led to the creation of numerous digital tools that enhance the accuracy of traditional maps. One example is a new technology that addresses color blindness by allowing GIS experts to see what a map looks like to a colorblind individual. Modern cartography might seem like a contradiction when considering the historical origins of cartography and traditional map-making. However, cartography remains as relevant as it was centuries ago thanks to the advent of GPS, data globalization, and location analytics. Modern cartography allows GIS professionals to understand everything from climate change to where companies should open businesses. And, the possible applications extend far beyond our own planet. For example, this interactive map shows how new star charts and celestial coordinates can be discovered all through modern cartography techniques. This book approaches geological, geomorphological and topographical mapping from the point in the workflow at which science-ready datasets are available. Though there have been many individual projects on dynamic maps and online GISs, in which coding and data processing are given precedence over cartographic principles, cartography is more than "just" processing and displaying spatial data. However, there are currently no textbooks on this rapidly changing field, and methods tend to be shared informally.