The Origins, History, Value, and Future of Cartography

The Map lays out the landscape as we know it now. As we continue to bank insight on the evolution of the

A map is merely one possible representation of reality, and not the direct translation of that reality. Producing a map is to provide an intelligible image of the world. A map will only express what we intend it to express, show, demonstrate, or explain. In fact, what makes maps different but effective is the fact that they are designed and therefore seen according to a point of view chosen by the designer or the person who asked for the map(Lambert & Zanin 2003).

The maps not only show information, but also help people to understand the data by visualization.

Geospatial technologies comprise tools that enable surveying, mapping, remote sensing, photogrammetry and geographic information systems (GIS). It is therefore, largely an information oriented technology that specifically captures, analyzes, manages and uses various data to make geographical inferences that affect every sector of the current economy. The application of geospatial technology cuts across a wide spectrum of industries such as agriculture, security, intelligence, urban planning, facilities management, environmental management and telecommunication. In the US alone, the geospatial technology sector is worth $75 billion and is expected to grow even larger in future decades. In developing economies such as Ghana, which are faced by serious land management issues, geospatial technology is expected to assist in solving many of these problems mainly by improving the land records. This improved state of land registry has enabled land owners to access credit loan facilities more easily in order to use their land as collateral. Civil engineering has also been at the core of this technology and using 3D visual tools, engineers can easily represent detailed designs and other aspects of construction.

Bibliography- Work, Amy, and Anne Haywood. "From Whales to Waste: Costa Rica's Community Residents Apply Geospatial Technologies to Solve Local Problems." Directions Magazine. Directions Magazine, 3 June 2015. Web. 26 Feb. 2017.

While there are a great variety of maps available in the information age, all share a common underlying purpose. The fourth edition of Elements of Cartography concisely defines a map’s objective as “to add to the geological understanding of the viewer; it is a carefully designed instrument for recording, calculating, displaying, analyzing and, in general, understanding the interrelation of things in their spatial relationship” (Robinson et al. 1978). This is a truly holistic definition of a map, addressing not only geographical features but quite literally anything that can be displayed spatially on Earth. An excellent example that fits this definition is the cliché map of Canada distributed to the class. This map would not fit a more archaic definition, like G. R. Crone’s assentation that “the purpose of a map is to graphically express the relations of points and features on the Earth’s surface to each other, determined by distance and direction” (1953). Yet, the clichés do form a map. Indeed, a representation of things in their spatial relationship to add to the geological understanding of the viewer is truly what a map is. These representations are invaluable in a number of different ways. The second edition of Map Use describes seven key roles of a map: to “record and store information, serve as computational aids, serve as mobility aids, summarize complex representations and voluminous data, help us explore data, help us visualize what would be otherwise obscure, and

Historically mapping has been used in many different ways, for example they can help to develop battle plans and devise strategies for winning wars, as well as to help with making boundaries to promote peace. When we can visually see where we are, in comparison to others, it helps to give us a new perspective into the political, geographical and social similarities and differences we may share with other people. Mapping can provide us with valuable insight into the way other people live, think and behave.

Maps are vital geopolitical tool that represents the borders, conflicts over territories, citizens and resources. In fact maps are social constructions that are linked to politics; the viewers of maps can change its implications as they add many different factors throughout experiences and geographical knowledge as this maybe a representation of the world to them. However it can be considered that maps can be more then representations of the legitimacy of nations, it can create geographical understanding, political agendas and social stereotypes.

In recent years, mapping has evolved dramatically with regard to advances in sophisticated technologies that have come into existence. GPS and laser rangefinders making the construction of a map possible in real time, the ability to navigate with ease is often taken for granted in the modern age with many types of technology being used everyday. The result of thousands of explorers, cartographers and the original invention of the map in the 5th and 6th century

Humans throughout the ages have used maps to help them travel. As we enter the modern age, maps on the internet and global positioning system(GPS) have become a more efficient way to travel because it allows users to get a step by step instruction on how to get to their destination. In 2004, Google debuted Google Maps, a service that that disrupt the GPS device industry and has paved the way for future navigation and GPS related apps. The success of Google Maps was primarily based on the advances of technology, economic events, its versatility, and how it is practically free to use.

The importance of location has been vital for people ever since the earliest civilisations; hunters and gatherers identified ideal locations for growing crops, later civilisations became territorial and selecting ideal settlement location based on a range of factors occurred. During the eighteenth century, European countries realised the importance of a nationwide, comprehensive mapping system of their land(Burrough et al., 2015). Alongside the advancement of technology GIS (Geographic Information Systems) has since developed. GIS is a software that can collect, store, analyse, and display geospatial data for a set purpose(Burrough et al., 2015). GIS can be used to display, understand, and visualise patterns and relationships in data(National Geographic, 2011).

GIS is a way of organizing large amounts of geographic information. It is not a tool, a software, a hardware or a specific image; it is a concept--a way of understanding maps (http://cnx.org/content/m13693/latest).

The term Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a term used to refer to a system installed in a computer capable of manipulating, assembling, displaying and storing information that has been geographically referenced. Large volumes of data are mapped, analyzed and modeled using a single database depending on their locations. In short, the software gives one power to create maps. Information such latitudes, longitudes, elevations and ZIP codes are fed into the system and the results can be used to determine whether and climate patterns of different regions (Global Geographic Information Systems, 2007). Different organizations use GIS generated data to seek information regarding specific areas of interest they are interested in.

The paper will begin with a literature review on the sources used for research including conference papers, lectures, and trade magazines. Immediately following the literature review, there will be the discussion which entails a thorough explanation of the fundamental concepts that contribute to the foundation of Geographic Information Systems. After the explanation of concepts, there will be a brief introduction regarding the company that pioneered the way for GIS. This paper will then discuss the current trends and major industries that are utilizing GIS. In the end, there will be a conclusion that will include a future analysis on GIS.

Introduction According to Silver and Balmori (2003 48) “Cartography, a term derived from the word for chart (charte) or drawing, has in recent years undergone a radical transformation.” This was identified earlier as Anson (1988 ix) noted “Today the art and science of map making is caught in the throes of a technological revolution which shows no signs of slowing down.” However, advancements in mapping have been associated with scientific developments in mainly the computer and internet technologies. Prior to this, mapping had been quite primitive in a sense as Wikipedia (2012) states that cartograms were created by hand before Waldo Tobler produced one of the first cartograms aided by computer visualization. During