Tectonics of cartography

Jasmine Desclaux-Salachas,Lucile Bataille

doi:10.5194/ica-proc-4-28-2021

Abstract

Abstract. Probably by dint of seductive appearances and overflowing passion for cartography, by dint of instant accessibility to all kind of maps and any graphic representations commonly called ‘maps’ and finally by dint of confusions between what is an IMAGE and what is a DATA, everyone forgets that, at the dawn of a cartographic project, ‘THE MAP STILL DOESN’T EXIST’. For it to exist, a scope of collective work and essential skills are necessary. First of all, the aim of a mapping project must be identified. Its specifications, statement of requirements, its schedule of conditions must be sealed by a contract between an orderer and a cartographer.The objective of this presentation is to recall how a keyboard is neither a magic thought nor a magic wand. Clicking on it will never finalize our work without us, cartographers, but engages us to follow series of timeless execution process over the entire duration of the cartographic production, in anticipating each action.Our work consists in making every effort, by all the necessary technical and human means, to gather the knowledge of a subject (or several) to ‘Map-draw’ with the ultimate goal of returning this acquired knowledge to the readers. Their eye has to find at first glance the information sought. Indeed, the more beautiful and easier to grasp the map is, the more it will be consulted with pleasure.Through a range of cartographic memories, the following characteristic examples of out-of-standard cartographic productions will detail the pertinence of this meticulous cartographical articulation.

Highlights

Geolocations define the framework of the project through analysis, prioritizing each data that will compose it through reports of measurements in an appropriate projection, a scale making the accuracy of the map readable, the mentioned scope of work calling on other trades associated with those of the cartographer, until the publication bring the map between its user’s hands.From drawing to engraving, from our light tables to our digital tools and systems, from the photographic laboratory of yesterday to our calibrated screens and prints of today, the preparations for our work remain manual.On closer observation, our profession has not changed so much
All started by a dream shared in a call from Stanley Friedman, Seattle, to Jean-Claude Dupuis, Paris. The aim of this call was to suggest to the National Geographic Institute to produce, from France, an updated topographic map of the Mount Rainier National Park
On the other side of the cartographer, at the end of its collegial work produced to inform the public about the results of the research that maps highlight

Summary

Introduction

Geolocations define the framework of the project through analysis, prioritizing each data that will compose it through reports of measurements in an appropriate projection, a scale making the accuracy of the map readable, the mentioned scope of work calling on other trades associated with those of the cartographer, until the publication bring the map between its user’s hands. All started by a dream shared in a call from Stanley Friedman, Seattle, to Jean-Claude Dupuis, Paris The aim of this call was to suggest to the National Geographic Institute to produce, from France, an updated topographic map of the Mount Rainier National Park. Achieving the best objectives, when designing maps requires cartographers to know their readers and the conditions of use of the maps to be produced beforehand It is the users themselves and what characterizes their use of maps that determine the elements that must be built to inform them: on what scale of reproduction and on what type of projection adapted to allow the readability of the data?

Conclusion

Cartography is thought to talking to its audience