Brief Introduction to Cartography Michael A. McAdams Geography Dept. Fatih University Istanbul, Turkey

Why is cartography important? Maps are one primary means to communicate geographic findings. As geographers we like to think that spatial location is extremely important.

Geography and Cartography Geography studies spatial phenomena Geography studies spatial phenomena One of the best way to study spatial entities is with a map One of the best way to study spatial entities is with a map Maps are selected graphic depictions of spatial ‘reality’ Maps are selected graphic depictions of spatial ‘reality’

What is this??

Map of Istanbul

What is the purpose of maps? General Reference General Reference Show spatial patterns (Cloropleth, Dot maps, Graduated Symbols, animation, etc.) for data Show spatial patterns (Cloropleth, Dot maps, Graduated Symbols, animation, etc.) for data

General Reference Map

Map of Central Istanbul

General Reference Map??

Cloropleth (thematic) map

Steps for Communicating Map Informatıon 1. Consider what the real-world distribution of the phenomena might look like. 1. Consider what the real-world distribution of the phenomena might look like. 2. Determine the purpose for making the map 2. Determine the purpose for making the map 3. Collect data appropriate for the map purpose 3. Collect data appropriate for the map purpose 4. Construct the map 4. Construct the map 5. Determine whether users find the map useful and informative 5. Determine whether users find the map useful and informative Source: Slocum, Terry A. Thematic Cartography and Visualization, 1999.

Animated Map (Expansion of Ottoman Empire)

Conclusion Cartography is both an art and a science Cartography is both an art and a science It is a very robust sub-discipline of Geography which is rich and dynamic It is a very robust sub-discipline of Geography which is rich and dynamic The cartographic principles we learn in this class will be directly useful in such classes as GIS and Remote Sensing The cartographic principles we learn in this class will be directly useful in such classes as GIS and Remote Sensing These principles will be important in other classes as you may have to understand maps or construct them for assignments or projects These principles will be important in other classes as you may have to understand maps or construct them for assignments or projects