Abstract
Today maps are prepared in Geographic Information Systems (GIS software) and based on data stored in a database. In the stage of the conceptual database design, the graphic editor of a database model is recommended. The structure of data is often under the influence of the cartographic requests. For example, new data may be added only for visualization purposes. All database structures for a base data and a cartographical data can be defined in a conceptual database model before creation of a physical database model. Database modelling is demonstrated in ArcGIS Diagrammer software in this article. Design of a cartographic database model for the book “Atlas of Election to the Olomouc Region Council” is used as an example. Moreover, steps of a model creation, detail structure and relationships in the model are also mentioned. The cartographical database model of the “Atlas of Election” illustrates cartographical influence to the database structure.
Highlights
Geographic information systems are very often used for the creation of cartographic outputs
In ArcGIS software, the layers are organized as feature classes in a geodatabase
The Atlas is an example of cartographic visualization of spatial aspects of an election
Summary
Geographic information systems are very often used for the creation of cartographic outputs (maps). In ArcGIS software (producer by the ESRI company), the layers are organized as feature classes in a geodatabase. A geodatabase is a type of database for storing spatial data. The geodatabase can contain tables and other structures (relationship feature classes, value valid tables, raster data sets, etc.). One purpose can be the creation of the same type of map only for various areas (district units) or for different time periods. The design of a geodatabase is started by creating a definition for a set of themes (layers). A detailed definition of each layer is required (spatial representation – point, line, polygon shape; data types of attributes, etc.). The database model can be shared by users for the same type of cartographic project. The difference may be only in values of data or the geographic location (other district unit). The database model for the book “Atlas of election to the Olomouc Region Council” (Vozenilek et al 2009) is an illustrative case
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