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Cartographic: meaning, definitions and examples

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cartographic

 

[ˌkɑːrtəˈɡræfɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

related to maps

Relating to the science or practice of drawing maps. Cartographic techniques involve the use of symbols, colors, and scales to represent geographical information.

Synonyms

geographic, mapping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cartographic

Use when referring to the art and science of making and studying maps.

  • She enrolled in a cartographic course to learn more about map-making techniques.
  • The cartographic details in the atlas are truly impressive.

Examples of usage

  • Cartographic skills are essential for creating accurate and informative maps.
  • The cartographic representation of the terrain helped the hikers navigate through the mountains.
Context #2 | Noun

a person skilled in mapmaking

A cartographer is a person who creates maps, specializing in the science and art of mapmaking. Cartographers use various tools and technologies to accurately represent the Earth's surface.

Synonyms

geographer, mapmaker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cartographic

Refers to something related to the creation or study of maps, often used in academic or professional settings.

  • The new cartographic software can create highly detailed maps in minutes.
  • Cartographic skills are essential for a career in geography.
mapmaker

Refers to someone who creates maps, commonly used in casual or everyday language.

  • The mapmaker worked late into the night perfecting the city map.
  • He hired a mapmaker to create a custom hiking map for his trip.
geographer

Describes a person who studies the earth's surface, its environments, and how humans interact with them, commonly used in academic or professional discourse.

  • The geographer explained how climate change affects urban planning.
  • As a geographer, she spent years studying the Amazon rainforest.

Examples of usage

  • The cartographer meticulously plotted the coordinates of the new city on the map.
  • Cartographers play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world through maps.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word blends ‘carto’, from the Latin 'carta' meaning 'map' or 'paper', with 'graphic', meaning 'related to drawing'.
  • Its roots can be traced back to early map-making in ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, where clay tablets illustrated land.
  • The term solidified in the 19th century, coinciding with the rise of modern topographic mapping techniques.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, maps have been used not only for navigation but also as tools of power and control over territories.
  • In the Age of Exploration, cartographic representations changed drastically as new lands were discovered and documented.
  • Early cartographers would often embellish maps with mythical creatures and fanciful descriptions, blurring fact and fiction.

Technology

  • Today, cartography uses advanced technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create detailed and accurate representations of all geography.
  • Digital cartography allows for real-time updates and interactive maps that can show traffic, weather, and even social media activity.
  • Satellite imaging plays a crucial role in modern mapping, providing high-resolution images of the Earth's surface.

Arts & Culture

  • Artistic maps, often called 'fantasy maps', creatively depict fictional worlds, like those found in literature and video games.
  • Historical maps can be considered art themselves, showcasing the unique style and knowledge of the period in which they were made, like the Mappa Mundi.
  • Globes, predecessors to flat maps, embody the cartographic tradition and are often designed as decorative pieces.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people's sense of direction and spatial awareness can be influenced by how maps are designed and presented.
  • Cognitive mapping refers to the way humans perceive and remember spatial information, which can be enhanced by well-designed cartographic representations.
  • The way information is visualized on a map can affect decision-making, demonstrating the power of cartographic choices in everyday life.

Translations

Translations of the word "cartographic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cartográfico

🇮🇳 मानचित्रण

🇩🇪 kartographisch

🇮🇩 kartografis

🇺🇦 картографічний

🇵🇱 kartograficzny

🇯🇵 地図作成の

🇫🇷 cartographique

🇪🇸 cartográfico

🇹🇷 kartografik

🇰🇷 지도 제작의

🇸🇦 خريطية

🇨🇿 kartografický

🇸🇰 kartografický

🇨🇳 制图的

🇸🇮 kartografski

🇮🇸 kortagerð

🇰🇿 картографиялық

🇬🇪 კარტოგრაფიული

🇦🇿 kartoqrafik

🇲🇽 cartográfico

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,123, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.