The Role Of The User In The Map Communication Process: The Topographic Map And The Map User

Abstract

In the systematic production of topographic maps, it is the government alone that has the capability of controlling the quality of the production of the work right to the printed map; and it is also the government itself that constitutes the principal user of its own production. Again it is the government which, in defining the specifications of its maps, makes the major decisions regarding the progress of its mapping. Why then does this actual production often disappoint the map user? Although the means at the disposal of the cartographer of today are powerful, even if the quality of map production is improved, the maps produced very often remain old-fashioned in many respects. The arrival of automation brings to the cartographer the opportunity of researching a new form of cartography which will answer new requirements of the map user.