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Introduction to Cartography
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Cartography is the science or practice of map-making. Cartography is
essential to colonial and post-colonial cultures. The first accurate
maps were produced during the Renaissance period, with the
development of navigational aids and effective mapping tools.
The
Cartography which took place during the 17th and 18th century proved
to be stepping stones to cartography in the 19th century expansion. |
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These maps were originally created for mercenary pursuits and
benefited merchants who demanded more accurate maps. Gerardus
Mercator was the first cartographer to use longitude and latitude
for sailors and aided the pursuits of traders with this map.
Cartography has become more advanced over the years, with maps
becoming more factual and accurate with scientific methods. Much of
the world was poorly known until the widespread use of photography
during World War II. Modern cartography is based on a combination of
ground observations and sensing.
With Geographic Information Systems emerging during the 1970-80s
period, with the database, analysis and display being physically and
conceptually separate aspects of handling geographic data.
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