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Cartographic Fundamentals

Writer's picture: Josh GrobartJosh Grobart

Abstract

While collecting and having the data of a mission is important, it can be said what is equally if not more important is being able to visualize the data in way so other people can view and understand it. Visualizing the data can be done in many different ways however one critical way to know how to display data visually for others is knowing how to create a map from the data. By creating a map using your data you allow for others who are unfamiliar with your data to easily understand and interpret the data which will be key when moving forward in data collection using UAS.


Methods

Originally I was also going to create a map using my own data collection however, due to some technical difficulties with the format of the data I had to stick to just using the data that was provided for the majority of the lab. Using ARC-GIS pro I was able to create 3 different styles of maps that each illustrate and communicate different information. Furthermore each map would be used in different situation which will be discussed in the next section.


Discussion

Before diving into each individual map it is important to understand some key components of cartography specifically key components located around the map itself. Some important components that all maps need to include are

  • North Arrow

  • Metadata/Data source

  • Legend

  • Watermark

  • Title

  • Scale

  • Locator Map

All of these components are instrumental in aiding the viewer in understanding the information being presented to them.





One type of map that I created was a Reference Grid Map. This type of Map has is great for communicating location with a team of people when working on a project. The grid system is based off of being able to use quadrants which correspond to a number and letter on the x and y axis of the grid.



Figure 1 : Reference Grid


Another type of map that I created was a Detailed Inset. This type of Map allows viewers to visually see the GCP points on the ground with zoomed in images of them attached to there given location on the main map.



Figure 2: Detailed Inset Map


The last type of map that I created was a Hillside map. This type of map helps to create a more realistic view of the given terrain pictured by taking into account the relative postition of the Sun and how it effects the shading of the image. Furthermore by using Hill-shading you are better able to see elevation properties of the terrain.




Figure 3: Hillside Map






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