Sections 9.3 to 9.5 cover animated and interactive maps (including web maps and mapping applications).įinally, Section 9.6 covers a range of alternative map-making packages including ggplot2 and cartogram. The next section covers a range of static maps, including aesthetic considerations, facets and inset maps. This chapter shows how to make a wide range of maps. Map making is therefore a critical part of geocomputation and its emphasis not only on describing, but also changing the world. Maps are also often the best way to present the findings of geocomputational research in a way that is accessible. This has changed with the emergence of open source mapping software such as the R package tmap and the ‘print composer’ in QGIS which enable anyone to make high-quality maps, enabling ‘citizen science’. Map making has historically been an activity undertaken only by, or on behalf of, the elite. Historic examples include maps of buildings and land ownership in the Old Babylonian dynasty more than 3000 years ago and Ptolemy’s world map in his masterpiece Geography nearly 2000 years ago ( Talbert 2014). Maps have been used for several thousand years for a wide variety of purposes. In addition to being fun and creative, cartography also has important practical applications.Ī carefully crafted map can be the best way of communicating the results of your work, but poorly designed maps can leave a bad impression.Ĭommon design issues include poor placement, size and readability of text and careless selection of colors, as outlined in the style guide of the Journal of Maps.įurthermore, poor map making can hinder the communication of results ( Brewer 2015):Īmateur-looking maps can undermine your audience’s ability to understand important information and weaken the presentation of a professional data investigation. Map making is no exception, hence this chapter’s coverage of one package ( tmap) in depth rather than many superficially. When learning a new skill, it makes sense to gain depth-of-knowledge in one area before branching out. The focus of this chapter, however, is cartography with dedicated map-making packages. It is possible to create advanced maps using base R methods ( Murrell 2016). Static mapping in R is straightforward with the plot() function, as we saw in Section 2.2.3. Map making - the art of cartography - is an ancient skill that involves communication, intuition, and an element of creativity. A satisfying and important aspect of geographic research is communicating the results.
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