Computer cartography

Example of a digital map. Pictured is percentage of Australian population that identifies as Anglican.

Computer cartography (also called digital cartography) is the art, science, and technology of making and using maps with a computer.[1][2][3] This technology represents a paradigm shift in how maps are produced, but is still fundamentally a subset of traditional cartography.[3][4] The primary function of this technology is to produce maps, including creation of accurate representations of a particular area such as, detailing major road arteries and other points of interest for navigation, and in the creation of thematic maps. Computer cartography is one of the main functions of geographic information systems (GIS), however, GIS is not necessary to facilitate computer cartography and has functions beyond just making maps.[5][6] The first peer-reviewed publications on using computers to help in the cartographic process predate the introduction of full GIS by several years.[7]

Computer cartography is employed to facilitate a variety of computer applications, often through integration with the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network. This can allow real-time automated map generation for tasks such as automotive navigation systems.

  1. ^ Clark, Keith (1995). Analytic and Computer Cartography. Prentice Hall. ISBN 0133419002.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Monmonier2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Kainz1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Monmonier1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ DeMers, Michael (2009). Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, inc. ISBN 978-0-470-12906-7.
  6. ^ Chang, Kang-tsung (2016). Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill. p. 1. ISBN 978-1-259-92964-9.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference Tobler1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).