12 - MAPS AND DIGITAL CARTOGRAPHY

Summary

Introduction

Cartographers have long recognised the influence that maps have on the shaping of spatial consciousness (Monmonier 1991; Wood 1992; Lewis and Wigen 1997). The purpose of this chapter is to explore the way maps, whether paper or digital, may be used to present spatial information and to highlight some design principles to maximise their effectiveness at this task. In doing so we describe a range of mapping techniques appropriate for the different sorts of data routinely handled by archaeologists. We also consider some major cartographic principles and design conventions that help make maps effective communication devices, and discuss the growing importance of the Internet and interactive mapping for the publication of spatial data.

Designing an effective map

As defined in Chapter 2, maps are traditionally divided into two categories: topographic and thematic. The former term describes maps that contain general information about features of the Earth's surface, whereas thematic maps are limited to single subjects, such as soils, geology, historic places, or some other single class of phenomena. Both types of map must contain some basic pieces of information so that the reader is able to comprehend and contextualise the data that is being presented. The most basic of these, without which a map is difficult if not impossible to understand, are: (i) a title; (ii) a scale; (iii) a legend and (iv) an orientation device, such as a north arrow (Table 12.1).