Maps: The Art of a Science
[1] The history of civilization has been illustrated by maps-maps that depict battles, scientific phenomena, and discoveries of new land throughout
history. These maps can vary in numerous ways For instance, by modern convention-and for no scientific reason-modern maps are usually oriented
with north at the top. But Al Idrisi's 1154 world map shows the Arabian Peninsula in the top center of the map, with south at the top. Different societies in
different parts of the world literally have different perspectives, which result from differences in physical geography.language, religion, cultural values
and traditions, and history.
[2] Furthermore, maps are made for many reasons.and as a result.there are many kinds of maps. Some made for general purposes may show roads.
towns and cities, rivers and lakes, parks, and state and local boundaries . An example of a general-purpose map, or base map, is a topographic map,
which portrays natural and manmade leatures of an area. Other maps are much more specific, conveying information primarily on a single topic. A map
that depicts earthquake occurrences throughout the United States is an example of a special-purpose map, or thematic map. In general every map is
made for a specific purpose.
[3] A map's purpose guides its design. In choosing the scale, for instance, mapmakers consider how large an area they want to map and how much
detail they want to show. The selection of symbols, which can include lines, patterns, and colors also affects the utility of the map. And of course,
there's the question of what information to feature versus what to omit.For example, scientific maps like Edmund Halley's 1701 map of magnetic
compass variations across the Atlantic Ocean usually, show only enough geographic data to orient the user while emphasizing the theme Likewise,
maps created for a completely different purpose include only as much detail as necessary; for example,the 1886 Sanborn Fire Insurance maps include
all the details needed for assessing insurance coverage but nothing more.
[4] A map's purpose is usually clear from its title' and explanation, but other information-author, date publisher, source of funding etc. -hints at why and
for whom the map was made. A knowledgeable map reader, recognizing that a map is both a simplification and a distortion of reality, will look for clues
to the cartographer's purpose -and even his or her biases. After all maps are the result of conscious design decisions Cartographers only show the
features they want to show, and they often generalize the data.
[5] Cartography blends science and art, and the artistic choices affect the experience of the map A beautiful map may become popular, even though it
may be less accurate than a plainer version.Details of cartographic style affect how a map is perceived, and perception varies with perspective.
Studying maps shows us that people understand the world differently and express this understanding1 in different ways.
Adapted from U.S. Geological Survey; "Exploring Maps -Information"
What feature of a map is mentioned In paragraph 3 that directly. influences its usefulness?
(1 point)
Author's bias
Physical geography
Symbols
Publisher
Maps: The Art of a Science
(1) The history of civilization has been illustrated by maps-maps that depict battles scientific phenomeny, and discoveries of new land throughout
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