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The paper aims to present a concise overview of the current status of the national spatial data infrastructures (SDI) of the European Union (EU) member states combined with specific peculiarities for Bulgaria. Some major challenges within the progress of the EU SDIs establishing, which is regulated by the European Directive INSPIRE (Infrastructure for spatial information in Europe) toward establishment of a SDI for environmental policies and activities, are marked out. Available comparative analyses of the main indicators for metadata, data-sets, and data services provided by EU member states are briefly discussed as a special attention is given to the Bulgarian progress. Recent achievements on accelerating the process of implementing the recommendations of the INSPIRE Directive in Bulgaria are outlined.

From Paper to Virtual Map" is an innovative technology for creating 3D (three-dimensional) maps. The technology proposed as a very cheap and easy way to create 3D maps. A powefulr graphic station is not necessary for this aim. This is very important for countries such as Bulgaria where is not easy to get expensive computer equipment. This technology, proposed by the author was developed from a novel application -a 3D cartographic symbol system. The 3D city maps created consist of 3D geometry, topographic information and photo-realistic texturing and 3D symbols, which contain quantitative and qualitative information about the objects. Animated presentations are also available according to users' needs.

Abstract. Cartography has undergone great changes in the last 40 years. Many web platforms and location-based services are offering increasing opportunities, paper maps have been largely supplemented by multimedia and digital maps, and spatial databases. The definition of a map has changed throughout history and the differences in their definitions are presented. This paper aims for new central cartographic definitions, corresponding to contemporary cartographic development after presenting the current situation of the topic. Definitions of cartographic mapping, cartography and cartographer are proposed, as well as a new definition of the map. All they are made on the base of logical analyses including different types of maps from traditional and real to virtual, 3D, animation, and digital.

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