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Cartography: meaning, definitions and examples

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cartography

 

[kɑːˈtɒɡrəfi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

study of maps

Cartography is the study and practice of making maps. It involves the science and art of creating visual representations of the Earth's surface, showing various features such as landforms, cities, roads, and political boundaries.

Synonyms

mapmaking, mapping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cartography

This term is used in academic and professional settings to refer to the science or practice of drawing maps.

  • She studied cartography at the university.
  • Modern cartography involves the use of complex software.
mapmaking

Mapmaking is a more general term that can be used in both casual and professional contexts. It describes the process of creating maps, often implying a simpler or more hands-on approach.

  • Back in the day, mapmaking was a labor-intensive task.
  • He enjoys mapmaking as a hobby.
mapping

This term is versatile and can be used in various contexts, not just geography. It refers to the act of creating a visual representation of an area or a process.

  • She spent the afternoon mapping the hiking trail.
  • The scientist was mapping the human genome.

Examples of usage

  • Cartography plays a crucial role in navigation and geography.
  • The advancements in technology have revolutionized cartography.
  • Cartography can help us understand the world around us better.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'chartis' meaning 'map' and the French word 'graphie' meaning 'writing'.
  • The first known use of 'cartography' dates back to the 16th century, solidifying the importance of maps in exploration.

Historical Development

  • Ancient civilizations, like the Babylonians and Greeks, created some of the earliest maps on clay tablets and animal skins.
  • The famous 'Mappa Mundi' from the 13th century is one of the most significant medieval maps, illustrating the world as understood at that time.

Science and Technology

  • With the advent of technology, satellite imagery and GPS have revolutionized how maps are created and used today.
  • Cartographers now use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze spatial data and create highly detailed maps.

Cultural Significance

  • Maps have played crucial roles in trade, war, and exploration, influencing how cultures interacted and expanded.
  • In literature and storytelling, maps often help readers visualize fictional worlds, such as those seen in fantasy novels.

Modern Usage

  • Today, online mapping services like Google Maps and Apple Maps provide real-time navigation and location data.
  • Cartography is not just for geography; it also includes thematic maps that can illustrate everything from population density to climate change effects.

Translations

Translations of the word "cartography" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cartografia

🇮🇳 मानचित्रण (mānchitraṇ)

🇩🇪 Kartographie

🇮🇩 kartografi

🇺🇦 картографія

🇵🇱 kartografia

🇯🇵 地図製作 (ちずせいさく, chizu seisaku)

🇫🇷 cartographie

🇪🇸 cartografía

🇹🇷 kartografya

🇰🇷 지도학 (jidohak)

🇸🇦 رسم الخرائط (rasm alkhara'it)

🇨🇿 kartografie

🇸🇰 kartografia

🇨🇳 制图学 (zhìtú xué)

🇸🇮 kartografija

🇮🇸 kortagerð

🇰🇿 картография

🇬🇪 კარტოგრაფია (kartografia)

🇦🇿 kartoqrafiya

🇲🇽 cartografía

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,053, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.