1.09.01 (Geo)graphic Information

Maps are used to answer questions such as: "Where can I find…?", "How do I get to…?", "What feature can be found at…?", or "Where else do I find that feature?" or "What feature can be found to reveal attribute information about, for example schools, which can be compared and analyzed?”, and so forth.
Maps have to be well designed to be able to answer questions such as these. If the translation from data to graphics is successful, the resulting maps are the most efficient and effective means of communicating geospatial information. The map user is able to locate geographic objects, and he is informed of the characteristics of these geographic objects by means of the shape and color of the signs and symbols that represent them. The map reveals spatial relations and patterns, and gives the user the insight and overview of the distribution of particular phenomena.

Before maps can be designed, the planner should get a feel for the nature of the information, since this determines the graphic options. This is done through cartographic information analysis. Based on this knowledge, the planner can choose the correct symbols to represent the information in the map. The planner has a whole toolbox of visual variables available to match symbols to the nature of the data, which are applied according to cartographic rules and guidelines.

However, maps constructed using these basic cartographic guidelines may not necessarily be appealing. Although well-constructed, they could still look sterile. The design aspects required to create appealing maps also have to be included in the visualization process. “Appealing” in a communicative sense does not only mean having nice colors. One of the keywords here is contrast. Contrast will increase the communicative role of the map since it will create a kind of hierarchy in the map contents, assuming that not all information is of equal importance.

Google Earth on the Internet is a breakthrough for using spatial data. Formerly known as Earth Viewer. it maps the earth by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite imagery, aerial photography and GIS 3D globe. Depending on the currentness and resolution of the data, it will show houses, the color of cars, and even the shadows of people and street signs for some selected areas. The screen dump above shows the Municipality of Laurel.