Geodesy and Cartography

Geodesy and Cartography
An Introduction

Prof. David Bernstein
James Madison University

Computer Science Department

bernstdh@jmu.edu

Introduction

Geodesy:
- The science of measuring and modeling the shape of the Earth
Cartography:
- The science (and art) of communicating geodetic information using abstract visual representations (i.e., maps)

Map Components

Map Scale

Defined:
- A statement about the relationship between a distance on the Earth and the equivalent distance on the map
Types:
- Representative Fraction (e.g., 1:100000 indicates that 1cm on the map is 100,000cm on the Earth)
- Word Statement
- Graphic Scale

Map Resolution

The accuracy of a depicted location for a given map scale

Number of Dimensions Represented

Attributes and Statistical Data

Base/Reference Map:
- A map of features only
- Planimetric base maps are often called outline maps
- Topographic base maps are often called mother maps
Thematic Map:
- Shows the spatial distribution of one or more data sets

Classification of Thematic Maps

Classification of Topographic Maps

Applications

What We Need to Proceed