cartographic
Concerning atlas creation
Cartographic means relating to mapmaking or the science of producing maps.
A cartographic projection translates the curved earth onto a flat surface.
Cartographic errors on old maps sometimes persisted for centuries.
The word appears in technical and academic contexts more than everyday speech.
Creating geographical charts
- surveyingMeasuring and charting terrain
- chartingRecording data visually
- draftingCreating technical blueprints
- projectionSomething that extends outward
scale · legend · symbol · key · inset · contour · grid · atlas
Single unit of information
- coordinatesLocation-specifying number pairs
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- geodesyEarth measurement science
- benchmarkingMeasuring against top performers
calibration · distortion · graticule · prime meridian · equator · Mercator · azimuthal · conic
Not yet documented
- terra incognitaUnexplored or unknown region
- expeditionOrganized exploratory journey
- surveySystematic data collection
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
discovery · pioneers · explorers · here be dragons · Age of Discovery · Ptolemy · Mercator
Navigating through physical spaces
- routePath from A to B
- compass roseCartographic direction indicator
- bearingPosture or orientation
- waypointNavigation reference location
orientation · road atlas · itinerary · pilotage · dead reckoning · landmark · sextant · astrolabe
Height above reference point
- contour linesLines joining equal elevations
- reliefEasing of distress
- bathymetrySubaqueous topographical measurement
- landformNatural terrain feature
Formal boundary setting
- borderOuter edge or limit
- frontierEdge of settlement
- territoryLand under jurisdiction
- geopoliticalRelating to global power dynamics
sovereignty · disputed · enclave · exclave · partition · treaty · delineation · jurisdiction
mapmaking
Creating geographical charts
- surveyingMeasuring and charting terrain
- chartingRecording data visually
- draftingCreating technical blueprints
projection · scale · legend · symbol · key · inset · contour · grid · atlas · gazetteer
datum
Single unit of information
- coordinatesLocation-specifying number pairs
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- geodesyEarth measurement science
benchmarking · calibration · distortion · graticule · prime meridian · equator · Mercator · azimuthal · conic · cylindrical
uncharted
Not yet documented
- terra incognitaUnexplored or unknown region
- expeditionOrganized exploratory journey
- surveySystematic data collection
reconnaissance · discovery · pioneers · explorers · here be dragons · Age of Discovery · Ptolemy · Mercator
wayfinding
Navigating through physical spaces
- routePath from A to B
- compass roseCartographic direction indicator
- bearingPosture or orientation
waypoint · orientation · road atlas · itinerary · pilotage · dead reckoning · landmark · sextant · astrolabe
elevation
Height above reference point
- contour linesLines joining equal elevations
- reliefEasing of distress
- bathymetrySubaqueous topographical measurement
demarcation
Formal boundary setting
geopolitical · sovereignty · disputed · enclave · exclave · partition · treaty · delineation · jurisdiction · administrative