Cartographic Relief Representation

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, although global positioning systems provide cartographers with the ability to pinpoint topographical features and today the ability to express relief and contours on modern maps is commonplace, it was not always this easy. The author points out that, while the history of map-making is truly ancient, the ability to communicate accurately relief features on maps began in Italy during the 15th century. The paper concludes that today's cartographer enjoys the benefits of centuries of research into different ways of communicating three-dimensional features on two-dimensional planes and that the introduction of powerful three-dimensional computer-based visualization applications represents a true milestone in cartography history. The paper includes quotations and illustrations.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Rationale in Support of Study
Previous Research
Objective of the Study
Organization of the Study
Background of the Study of Relief Representation
Theoretical Framework
Methodology
Study Design
Theoretical Basis
Research Strategy Employed
Execution of the Study of Relief Representation
Results and Analysis of Relief Representation Techniques
Results
Analysis
Summary and Conclusions
Summary
Conclusions
Limitations of the Study
Recommendation for Future Research

From the Paper:

"According to Kirschenbauer and Buchroithner (2001), although these three-dimensional techniques provide the user with a decent overall impression of the represented relief, the transmission of detailed information and precise height data as it is rendered by contour lines is not simplified to any significant degree. This is because any of the older (which is to say a couple of years) present detailed landforms with techniques that do not provide a truly comprehensive picture yet. However, these authors emphasize that new technological innovations are making strides in this direction every day."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cook, K. S. (2002). The historical role of photomechanical techniques in map production. Cartography and Geographic Information Science, 29(3), 137.
• Coy P., & Hof R. D. (1995, September 4). 3-D computing: From medicine to war games, it's a whole new dimension. Business Week, 3440, 70-77.
• Crone, G. R. (1953). Maps and their makers: An introduction to the history of cartography. London: Hutchinson's University Library.
• Fabrikant, S. I. (2003). Commentary on 'a history of twentieth-century American academic cartography' by R. McMaster and S. McMaster. Cartography and Geographic Information Science, 30(1), 81.
• Garrison, B. (1996). Strategies for computer-assisted reporting. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

More papers on Cartographic Relief Representation:

• Research Paper # 91331 : "Domestic Implications of Debt Relief"
• Research Paper # 95455 : "Political Parties and Representation in Modern Democracies"
• Essay # 70880 : "Sacred Representation in Film"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: