Cartography & Data Visualization: Key Terms (Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key cartography and GIS mapping concepts, including data types, symbolisation, scale, colour use, map elements, classification methods, and accessibility.

Cartography

The art and science of map-making and visualizing spatial data to communicate geographic information.

Data Visualization in GIS

Representing spatial data visually through maps and graphs to reveal patterns and support decision-making.

Vector data

Spatial data represented as discrete features: points, lines, and polygons.

Raster data

Spatial data stored as a grid of cells/pixels, where each cell has a value.

Point symbol

A visual symbol that represents a point feature on a map.

Line symbol

A visual symbol used to depict a linear feature (e.g., roads, rivers) on a map.

Polygon symbol

A visual symbol used to depict areal features (polygons) on a map.

Symbolisation

Assigning symbols to data types (point, line, polygon) with intuitive shapes and sizes.

Symbology

The visual vocabulary (color, size, shape, pattern) used to represent spatial data on a map.

Scale

The ratio that relates map distances to real-world distances and determines detail level.

Generalisation

Simplifying map data at smaller scales to reduce clutter and maintain readability.

Visual Hierarchy

Using contrast, color, and size to guide the viewer’s eye and emphasize important data.

Colour ramps (color ramps)

Color schemes used to show data values; include sequential (ranking) and diverging (comparison); need accessibility consideration.

Context and Orientation

Elements that help readers understand location in space, including north, legend, scale, basemaps, and insets.

North Arrow

Symbol indicating the direction of north on a map to aid orientation.

Inset map

A smaller map inside the main map used to show context or a broader area.

Legend

Explains the symbols used on the map; should be concise, readable, and not overly complex.

Neatline

A border around the map or inset that helps delineate the map area.

Origin/Orientation

Relation of the map’s orientation to true or magnetic north; clarification of how the map is positioned.

Scale indicator

A graphic (or textual) bar showing map scale for real-world distance estimation.

Data Integrity

Accurate representation of data; avoid distortions; show uncertainty and cite sources.

Uncertainty

Indicating data or modeling doubt where relevant to avoid misinterpretation.

Metadata (Source, Author, Date)

Documentation about data: who created it, when, and where it came from.

Jenks natural breaks

A data classification method that groups values into natural, meaningful classes.

Quantile classification

A method that divides data into classes with equal counts for each class.

Graduated symbols

Symbol sizes that vary proportionally to numeric values to show magnitude.

Proportional symbols

Symbols whose size is directly proportional to the data value.

Classed vs Unclassed data

Classed: data grouped into discrete categories; Unclassed: continuous values without categories.

Accessibility (Alt text)

Design consideration to ensure maps are usable by all, including those with disabilities; use alt text and readable contrasts.