Important Terms to Know About Maps Publishers and Distributors Distributors and publishers of maps make and sell many different kinds of maps, such as a variety of maps, whether full size or travel size. Such maps must incorporate certain elements to be authentic, such as counties, areas and regions all drawn to scale Publishers of maps retain the copyright to the product. Professionals who create maps are proficient in geography, topography, spatial maps and cartography. Check out these important terms about maps out by distributors and publishers:
Cartography: Refers to the study, application and creation of all kinds of maps, using a blend of science and aesthetics. Designed to communicate spatial information effectively, maps are created by professionals called cartographers, who must make sure the terrain is correctly represented on flat media. They are also responsible for reducing the complexity of mapped characteristics, setting the map’s agenda and generalizing components that are irrelevant to the map’s intended purpose.
Aeronautical Chart: A type of marine map that helps with the navigation of aircraft. With these maps, pilots can easily determine their position and a safe altitude at which to fly, plus they can chart the best route to a particular destination and familiarize themselves with alternative landing areas in case an emergency arises.
Non Spatial Map: A type of simple map with diagrams that illustrate logical relationships between objects but not spatial relationships. Gantt charts, tree maps and schematic diagrams are some examples of non spatial maps.
Compass Rose: Displays the orientation of cardinal directions: North, East, South and West, appearing on all maps and nautical charts. Alternatively known as a windrose.
Topography: The study of surface shapes and features of the Earth as they relate to their depiction within maps. This originates in a branch of planetary science that also studies astronomical objects, such as asteroids, moons and planets, within outer space.