Maps and Their Classification, Photomaps, and Map Lettering

Vocabulary flashcards covering map classifications, topographic elements, computer cartography, photomaps, meridian orientation, and map lettering styles.

Map

A graphic representation of all or a portion of the earth's surface or other celestial body, by means of signs and symbols or photographic imagery at some given scale or projection, to which lettering is added for identification (derived from the Latin word "mappa" meaning napkin, cloth, or sheet).

Planimetric Map

A representation of the earth's surface in the horizontal dimensions only, with no attempt made to indicate height differences in elevation.

Topographic Map

A representation of the earth's surface in three dimensions, showing the same features as a planimetric map and in addition indicating relief, usually by means of contours.

Topography

All the identifiable features of the earth's surface, whether natural or artificial, which can be assigned a specific position expressed in relation to the topographic surface above or below a reference datum.

Relief

The vertical extent or elevation variations of terrain features, measured on the basis of three coordinates ($x$, $y$, and $z$).

Thematic Map

A map made to deal with a specific theme or subject (such as geology, population, crop production, land use, or meteorological data), usually against a skeletal topographic background.

Computer-Generated Maps

Maps produced by storing cartographic information in digital form that can be processed and retrieved in graphic form using automated graphics systems.

Interactive Drafting Systems

Systems including display terminals and automatic drafting machines interfaced with a computer that allow an operator to examine, modify, and check a map design before triggering an automatic plotter to print the final product.

Photomap

A reproduction of an aerial photograph or a mosaic (an assembly of photographs) on which grid lines, contours, boundaries, placenames, and marginal information have been added or overprinted.

Orthophotograph

A rectified photograph whose geometry has been corrected to conform to that of a map as seen in orthographic projection.

Meridian Arrow

A needle or feathered arrow displayed on a map for orientation purposes, pointing north to indicate the reference meridian used.

True Meridian Arrow

A meridian arrow identified on a map by a full-headed and full-feathered arrow pointing to True North.

Magnetic Meridian Arrow

A meridian arrow identified on a map by a half-headed and half-feathered arrow pointing to Magnetic North.

Stick-Up

Preprinted symbols, placenames, and marginal information on a tough, transparent sheet with pressure-sensitive adhesives on the back, used in map preparation to eliminate the need for paste or glue.

Reinhardt Letters

Single-stroke letters where the thickness of lines in the letters is the same as the width of the single pen-line with which they are drawn; standard practice for field notes and notations.

Gothic Letters

Letters composed of uniform width strokes classified as "sans serif" (without serifs), used for titles, hypsographic names, railroads, highways, bridges, bench marks, contour numbers, and spot elevations.

Roman Letters

Letters having heavy strokes consisting of both heavy and light lines terminated with short lines called serifs, used for place and area names as well as hydrographic features like oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes.

Serifs

Short lines that terminate the ends of the strokes in Roman letter types.

Engineering Map Lettering Styles

The three primary styles of lettering commonly used for engineering plans and maps: Reinhardt, Gothic, and Roman.