GIS and Remote Sensing

Cartographic Modeling

A cartographic model is a plan of how to proceed through an analysis, including the necessary data, operations on those data, intermediate results of those operations, and the final results of the analysis. The cartographic modeling is defined in the following way: "the compilation of maps as spatial-sign models of reality designed for obtaining new knowledge about the object of 'investigation".  The definition expresses the essence at compilation of maps and their application in scientific research. The cartographic modeling is oriented more toward process than product. lts major concern is not the way in which data are gathered, maintained, or conveyed but the way in which data are used. А map as а complicated model of space represents а classical cartographic model. The universal character of cartographic model is determined Ьу the following properties: abstractness, uniqueness, synthetic character of the view, adequacy and ambiguity as well as continuity of the view, visually, geometrical resemblance, geographical adequacy, in formativeness, quickness of reaction. Together with а simple map we can mention other cartographic models: globes, Block diagrams, atlases, microfiches, photomaps, poster maps, relief maps and anaglyphic maps. Main problems of cartographic modeling are abstraction and generalization. They mean an integral process.