AffairBoard

Maps Should Be Accurate

Notice: Undefined variable: button in /home/content/15/8824515/html/affairboard.com/wp-content/plugins/tweetmeme/tweetmeme.php on line 33

In map making, like the game of horseshoes, getting close is sometimes good enough. Imagine the scope involved in making a map of any space. Even if scientists could manage to take exact, perfect measurements of every minute object within the space, translating those figures into an accurate, two-dimensional map without some inaccuracies being created is impossible. Three dimensional objects can’t just be squashed. And the scale required of world wall maps will make many small features completely disappear.

In most cases, a map needs to be accurate enough to meet the needs of its intended users. Roads should connect cities. Political boundaries should be easily identifiable. Large features should be properly rendered. Topography can be color coded by ranges rather than exact numbers. As long as the users can glean the information they need, the map is successful.

Cartographers now have new tools to use in their quest to create accurate maps. Historically they first turned to aerial photography and then satellite imaging. Today they can use GPS coordinates to plot points on their maps. They can also make use of three dimensional modeling to create an interactive digital map that is much more accurate than flat maps. Another advantage of computer maps is that they can be easily updated as new and better geographical information is compiled.

Tags: digital map