Visual features of cartographic representation in map perception
Journal Title: Polish Cartographical Review - Year 2016, Vol 48, Issue 1
Abstract
The author describes the properties and mechanisms of visual perception in the context of their significance to the principles of symbol design as used in cartography. Map perception relies on the process of visual perception. Therefore, the knowledge of its inner workings in the map environment allows cartographers to construct cartographic symbols in agreement with the properties of the visual system. Visual perception involves neurosensory processes taking place between the eye and the short-term memory. As such, they operate independently of the beholder�s consciousness and significantly influence the information received by the map user. The author discusses the mechanisms of human vision and the nature of the process of visual perception. It also shows the relationships between the image characteristic and the visual system�s properties such as the optical resolution, visual adaptation, reactions of inhibition and reinforcement, reactions to the image characteristics � as well as the phenomena of contrast, grouping and spatial arrangement. The principles of constructing map symbols that have been developed in the long course of cartography, and based mostly on the map makers� intuition, find validation in the light of properties and mechanisms of visual perception. As discussed in the paper, the fundamental properties and basic mechanisms of human vision support the view that knowledge of how the visual system works provides foundation for articulating new mapping guidelines and cartographers� calls for stricter observance of cartographic principles are fully justified.|���
Authors and Affiliations
WIESŁAWA ŻYSZKOWSKA
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP368201
- DOI 10.1515/pcr-2016-0003
- Views 70
- Downloads 0
Measures and visualization methods of map projection distortions with the use of “python matplotlib library” as an example
The aim of the author of this article is to show the users of Geographical Information Systems how to present the distortions in a simple way. The intention of the author is also to popularize the knowledge in the scope...
Visual features of cartographic representation in map perception
The author describes the properties and mechanisms of visual perception in the context of their significance to the principles of symbol design as used in cartography. Map perception relies on the process of visual perce...
Nowy wykaz polskich nazw geograficznych świata i zasady jego opracowania na tle dotychczasowych publikacji
Pod koniec 2013 roku wydany został „Urzędowy wykaz polskich nazw geograficznych świata” opracowany przez Komisję Standaryzacji Nazw Geograficznych poza Granicami Rzeczpospolitej Polskiej. Jest to drugi tego typu wykaz ob...
Symbol changes on 20th century topographic maps in 1:100 000
The 20th century was a time of change in the concept of topographic map design. The article focuses on analysis related to the influence of 20th century technological changes in the graphic form of symbols applied on top...
Geological content on maps and in accompanying texts developed until the end of the 18th century
For many centuries on general geographical maps and early maritime maps geological information was rarely included. The map of the Wadi Hammamat valley, the Borgia world map, the Catalan world map and Carta de nauigar pe...