Representation of time and the creation of a temporal legend in animated cartographic works

Abstract

The article provides an analysis of the possibilities for the graphic presentation of time in animated cartographic works. After a brief introduction presenting the problem of capturing time and action within the framework of cartographic production, the article mentions methods commonly used for the expression of time in cartographic animations and indicates their weakness: as a rule, these methods don’t reflect the temporo-spatial progression of events that a cartographic work strives to capture. The article then proposes a general approach recommended for the design and creation of temporal legends for animated maps in order to eliminate this flaw. This general approach is then applied to a sample group of cartographic works that depict historical battles.