Unit 2 Map

2.2 Types & Classification of Map

2.2.1
Maps can be used in a variety of different ways, from navigation, to establishing ownership, presenting
information. Based on their use and area of application maps are of following types;

1. Reference Map
Maps, where cities and towns are
named, major transport routes are
included along with natural features
like lakes and rivers etc. are general
reference map. These are the maps that
are ideal for helping you to get to your
destination – they tend to be easy to
read, and include street and tourist
maps.

2. Topographical Map

Topographical maps stand

out from the other offerings by
showing detailed elevation, with
contour lines helping to map the
landscape. Ordinance Survey maps
are arguably the best-known type of
topographical maps.

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3. Thematic Map
Rather than attempting to map the landscape or help to show you where to go, thematic maps are designed instead
to highlight information on specific topics. It could be anything from geology to population density or weather. Unlike
general reference maps, which can typically be read and understood by pretty much anybody, thematic maps may also
require specific knowledge to understand.

4. Navigational Charts
Along with general
reference and topographical maps,
navigational charts are another
invaluable tool when it comes to
actually getting around, whether
you’re at sea or in the air. Maps for
the ocean are typically referred to as
charts, and the same applies to air
navigation mapping. The charts tend
to include information that’s
important to avoiding accidents –
such as features in and around the
water, like submerged rocks – along
with any specific navigational aids.

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5. Cadastral Map
Cadastral map is a map which
provides information about the real property
within a specific area i.e. map of any village
indicating boundaries of all parcels or lots
within the village. Cadastral mapping is one
of the oldest forms of mapping, with ancient
Egyptians known to have developed cadastral
records to establish ownership of land after
flooding of the River Nile.

2.2.2

1. Based on the scale, the maps are classified as;

a. Large scale map
Map scale larger than 1:10000 are the large scale maps. These maps are used for implementation of the project
work.

b. Medium scale map

Scale between 1:10000 and 1:50000 are the medium scale maps. These maps are used for study and analyze for
the project.

c. Small scale map

Map scale smaller than 1:50000 are the small scale maps. These maps are used for study and analyze for the
development of project concept. Most of the thematic maps are prepared in small scale.

2. Based on the purpose, the maps are classified as;

a. Topographical map
The map showing topographical features including natural and cultural details are topographical maps.

b. Cadastral map
The map showing parcel and parcel number for property mapping are the cadastral maps.

c. Aeronautical charts
The map showing details required for flying an airplane are aeronautical charts. It includes the distance
and bearing from one destination to other and some features which are the norms of International Charter
Aviation Organization (ICAO). Before using the chart by the pilots, it must get approval from ICAO.

d. Thematic map
If map is prepared to include the information related with a theme is a thematic map. So there could be
many varieties of thematic maps. Some of them are as discussed;
i. Geological map
Map showing geological features such as rocks, geological fault lines etc. are geological maps.
These maps are used for project designing in order to determine the stable or danger area.

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 ii. Atlas
A set of maps to meet the purpose is atlas, for example school atlas or socio economic atlas.
School atlas includes political physiographic details of continents and different political division of the
country. Socio economic atlas includes information on population distribution, minerals, temperature,
rainfall, education information etc.
iii. Tourist map
A map showing information necessary for the tourists such as road network, banks, entertainment
spot, cultural location etc. is tourist map. The map will be used by the tourists for hiking, trekking and
mountaineering.
iv. Land resource map
Maps prepared by analyzing the soils of land, landscape, and situation of land are the land
resources maps. They could be land utilization maps, land system maps, land capability maps etc. these
maps are used for program implementation of agriculture, forest, urban planning and land zoning.

3. Based on originality of the maps

a. Original map
If the map is prepared either by surveying the details and features on the ground or compiled from an aerial
photograph or satellite data and the related information are collected on ground, the map is an original map. In
general, these maps will be prepared at larger or medium scale. For example: topographic map at the scale of
1:25000, cadastral maps etc.
b. Derived map
It the map is prepared by compiling existing map in which features will be simplified and generalized is a
derived map. Usually the scale of derived map will be small scale map. For example; district map, 1:100000 scale
topographical map, etc.

4. Based on data representation

a. Analogue map
Hard copy map usually printed on paper, visible & tangible
b. Virtual map
Type 1: Map in computer monitor which is visible but not tangible
Type 2: Map in floppy disk or other storage device which is tangible but not visible
Type 3: Maps available in www which are neither visible nor tangible

2.3 Map scale

We know that all maps are reductions. The first decision that a map-maker has to take is about the scale of the
map. The choice of scale is of utmost importance. The scale of a map sets limits of information contents and the degree of
reality with which it can be delineated on the map.
Map scale is the ratio of the distance between two points on map and their corresponding distance on real ground. Real
world objects have usually been reduced by a constant amount, and the map scale tells us the amount of reduction (or
enlargement. If a map scale is “1:100”, one inch on the map represents 100 inches in the real world. The unit of
measurement is not important; one could just as easily say one foot on the map represents 100 feet on the ground; the ratio
remains constant. However, you should be careful not to mix units.

1. Representative fraction or Numerical scale

In this case, the proportion existing between the length on the map and the actual length on the ground is indicated
by a fraction whose numerator is always 1 (one). Such a fraction is called representative fraction (R.F.).

2. Statement scale
In this case, the numbers of units on map that represent the corresponding number of units on ground are stated.
For example; 1 cm= 400 meter, 1 inch= 1 km etc.

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3. Plain or linear or graphical scale
This consists of a line drawn at the bottom of the map, conveniently divided and subdivided so that the distances
on the map can be easily read from it with the help of a pair of dividers. When graphical scale is constructed the following
should be borne in mind;
a. It should be sufficiently long so that the longest measurement can be made from it.
b. It must represent a convenient round number of units employed so that it can be readily divided and subdivided. A
round number is a number which generally be divided by 5, 10, 100 and so on.

2.4 Introduction to drawing and scribing

Drawing
Process of representing the data collected for map construction or reproduction on base material in a proper way is
called drawing. Fair drawing should have following characteristics;
1. Drawing area should be neat and clean.
2. Lines used should be smooth, sharp, and uniform.
3. Spacing between the letters and words used in map should be uniform
4. Color contrast between the background and detail should match.
5. Undershoot, overshoot and silver polygon should be omitted.

From above figure; 1 represents undershoot, 2 represents overshoot and 3 represents the silver polygon.

Drawing equipments

1. Graphos pen
a. A shape nib
 Size: 0.1 to 0.8 mm
 Used to draw line and write small letters.

b. T shape nib
 Size: 1.0 to 2.5 mm
 Used to draw frame line and write large sized letters.

2. Technical pen
 Can be used for long time once ink is filled.
 Used to draw line from 0.1mm to 2.5 mm.
 Eg; Rotring pen, stadtler pen, G-tech etc.

3. Crowquill pen
 Used to draw lines and contour lines.

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4. Special pen
 Used to draw special features such as circle, parallel lines etc.
 Eg; circle pen, parallel line pen etc.

Drawing materials

a. Ink
Characteristics of drawing ink:
 Should have high opacity.
 Should be dark and non-oozing.
 Should be water proof.
 Should be adhesive to base material.
 Should be of high stability.

b. Base material
Base material could be either of paper, plastic (perma trace paper) or cloth made.
Characteristics
 Should have high dimensional stability.
 Should have smooth surface.
 Should be of appropriate hardness and elasticity.
 Should be of fine fibers.

Scribing

Scribing was used to produce lines for cartographic map production before the use of computer based geographic
information systems (GIS). Scribe sheet is a stable plastic base material.

Procedure;

1. An impression (the original) of the corrected compilation sheet is photographed (camera or in contact) onto scribe sheet
material or drawn using pencil.
2. On the scribe sheet are traced with a metal or sapphire-tipped scribe tool.
3. Lines of translucent coating are removed to produce a handmade negative image.

Scribing instrument

a. Pen type graver

Used for free hand line scribing.

b. Rigid graver
Has a fixed nib and is also used for scribing linear features.

c. Swivel graver
Has nib that can rotate in all four directions and is used for scribing linear and parallel lines.

d. Special graver
These graver are used for scribing special features. Eg: dot graver, building graver etc.

Scribing materials

a. Base material
It can be either polyster sheet or glass sheet.

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Characteristics:
 Should be dimensionally stable.
 Must be transparent and smooth.
 Should be light in weight.
 Should have hard surface.

b. Scribing coat
Scribing coat is made from plastic using different chemicals.
Characteristics:
 Sufficient actinical opacity
Property of coat that allows only a single wavelength of light to pass through it. For example coating of red color just
passes red but blocks blue light.
 Sufficient hardness
 Color should be untiring.
 Long-lasting
 Uniform and smooth coating.

2.5 Semiology

Study of signs and symbols used in cartographic map is semiology. Semiology is a broad concept and can be
subdivided into; map symbolism, sign processes, context and marginal notes.

a. Map symbolism
It is also called map language. It refers to the type of sign systems that are manifested in individual maps; more exactly in
individual map faces.

b. Sign processes
This is the step where humans handle sign for short. It can be understood as summation of three process; sign production,
sign perception and sign employment. Sign perception refers to the extraction and derivation of information from signs.
Sign employment to deal with the world and the participants of cartographic communication.

c. Context
It refers to how the signs are to be realized and need to be processed. In this the territory to be mapped, factors relating
map use and intended audience and the objective of the map making along with the perception of the map author must be
considered.

d. Marginal notes
The assemblage of signs in a map face is complemented by marginal notes, which constitute a separate, auxiliary sign
system. They have two functions: explaining what entries in the map face mean and providing background information.
Among the marginal notes, the most versatile one is the legend.

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