What is Analytical cartography?

Defined by Tobler, W. R.  (1976) "Analytical cartography", The American Cartographer, 3(1):21-31.
Describes a class at the University of Michigan, taught since the 1960s.

Precedence in Analytical Photogrammetry

"Solving cartographic problems"
"Analytical cartography is a sub-discipline of cartography that lies behind much of the development in geographic information science."
"deals with the theoretical and mathematical background behind cartography and the rules cartographers employed in the mapping process."
wholly integrated within spatial analysis in geography
Empirical versus analytical solutions

Computer Cartography
 

Background

Quantitative revolution in geography
Military GIS since WWII->CORONA->need for analytical photogrammetry
Problem of georectification
Analog to digital transition
GIS explosion

Institutions

ACSM, ASPRS
Autocarto
Highly interdisciplinary
Computer graphics

History of Computer Cartography

Tobler (1959) "Automation and Cartography" Geographical Review, XLIV, 4, 526-34.

• Map-in, map-out.
• Devices barely existed. CRT, digitizers.
• Initially, device specific code and new algorithms
• 1968 SYMAP at Harvard


• CIA CAM and WDBI and II.
• Realization of commercial value
• Device Control Improvements
• Programming
• CALCOMP, PLOT-10

Scope and Content (Moellering) UCGIS White Paper

Geographic map transformations
Real and virtual maps
Deep and surface structure (e.g. topography)
Spatial primitives
The sampling theorem (Spatial frequencies)
Information theory
Neighborhoods (Tobler's law)
Fractals
Map generalization
Shape analysis
Spatial data models, and data structures
Analytical visualization
Theory and standards
 

The Impact of the Computer

• Time saving
• Accuracy (vs. precision)
• "faithful exact reproduction of all the errors involved in putting the original map onto paper.
• "fitness for use" criterion

Benefits of the Computer

• Increased output
• Decreased Cost
• Cartography no longer a service discipline
• Release from tedious tasks
• Refocus on map design (Design loop)
• Entirely new capabilities (e.g. color, animation)

Disadvantages

• Level of training
• Producer of maps vs. producer of tools
• Opportunity for misuse

Geospatial Dimensions of Software Integration
Scale and resolution dependency in spatial problems
Process modeling
HCI