Generating and Printing maps

The Geographic Information System (GIS) SPRING provides tools for input, analysis and management of geographic data. SCARTA is an independent module and can be used for graphic output of data, interconnecting with SPRING for generating and printing maps. It is aimed at editing and producing high quality graphic output, not having tools for processing or changing data.

Before elaborating a map, it is necessary to know the nature of data, scale and desired resolution. Since SCARTA is an independent module, the user might choose to export his data to other software for map generation such as CAD (Computer Aided Design).


Using SCARTA module

CAD, GIS and Map Generation

CAD and GIS are new technologies that have become possible in the last six years due to the evolution of computers and their devices, lower prices of hardware and variety of software in the market. Since they demand robust machines, the competition among hardware manufactures has benefited the users of both technologies.

The main difference between CAD and GIS lays on the amount of data dealt on their tasks (GIS usually handles with much more information than CAD).

A CAD is usually used for technical designs - big aircrafts projects to small integrated circuits. AutoCAD (Autodesk, Inc.) is a general purpose CAD that can also be used for map generation but with less options for this task than a specific map generator.

There is also the issue of component geography. GIS is about points, lines and polygons; it is about imagery and coordinate systems using color to convey large amounts of information, such as cities, towns rivers, political boundaries and relief to show geographical perspective. CAD is mostly about points and lines. Both have attributes and layers; they just treat them differently and store them differently.


Generating and Printing maps

Maps, Charts and Sheets

Check below the definition of some main concepts when producing a map:

    A map is a graphic representation generally on a plane surface using a certain scale. It facilitates a spatial understanding of things, concepts, conditions, processes or events in the human world.

    A chart is a special-purpose map designed for navigation or to present specific data or information. The term "chart" is applied chiefly to maps made primarily for nautical and aeronautical navigation, and to maps of the heavens, although the term is sometimes used to describe other special-purpose maps.

    A sheet is an arbitrarily established partition of the geographic space used to systematically produce charts.

    For practical reasons we will consider on this manual the term map, independently from the scale and application, any cartographic digital product compiled by SCARTA. Maps are an efficient way to present a large amount of information about objects and their spatial relationship.

    A thematic map presents information of spatial variation of a phenomenon (for instance, erosion event) or the relationship between phenomena (for instance, different classes of soil). They are used to characterize a wide range of phenomena.

The user must know some cartographic elements before producing his map, described next.


Generating and Printing maps

Map/Chart elements

Title

    The title describes the purpose of the map, therefore it should be on a place where it stands out.

Size

    The size depends on the purpose of the map and on the limitation of the user's output device.

    The basic format is A0 of the metric system from which the others are derived. The following table presents the most used formats considering the right margin from where the paper is cut.

    Brazilian Standard Formats
    Format Height Length
    A0841 mm1189 mm
    A1594 mm841 mm
    A2420 mm594 mm
    A3297 mm420 mm
    A4210 mm297 mm

Scale

    The user should choose the scale based on the information contained on the map. The right scale will depend on the original data resolution as well as on how many details the user wants to include in the map.

    The scale should be located on a strategic place of the map. It can be represented both as a ratio (Scale 1:300.000) and in graphic format.

    The graphic scale is a line marked with distance on the ground which the user can use together with a ruler to evaluate distances on the map. This kind of scale easily allows the visualization of objects on the map. Check the example below where the distance in the map corresponds to 3 km:

    If the map is reduced or amplified, it is more advantageous to use the graphic scale since it is reduced or amplified together with the map. Generally the scales are classified depending on the theme they represent.
    The following table shows a general classification of scales regarding the size and kind of representation:

    Size Representation Scale Applications
    Large Scale Show details Up to 1:25.000 Cadastral maps, detailed survey or topographic maps
    Intermediate Show less details

    1:25:0000 to 1:250.000

    Topographic maps
    Small Scale Synoptic view 1:250.000 and lower Topographic maps and general maps

Legend

    The legend is used to link the non-spatial attributes to spatial entities. Non-spatial attributes can be visually indicated by colors, symbols or shading according to the definition in the legend.

Position

    A map is as much reliable as the objects can be confronted with the space. That is why each map should come with a coordinate system – usually the geographic coordinates, latitude and longitude.

Balance and Layout

    The balance on a visual design depends on the positions of its components, shown in a logical way, bringing attention to what is meant to be the focal point. Nothing should be too dark or too light, too short or too long, too small or too big.

    The user should try to find the right balance, making a few adjustments, if necessary.
    Contrasting Patterns.

Contrasting Patterns

    The user can use different patterns to represent different regions on the map. Patterns can be composed of lines, points or a combination of both. In irregular areas, it is difficult to visualize the boundaries and to understand the map if we use only lines because they do not vary much regarding spacing. A map is more stable and clear when represented by a pattern of points.

Color

    The color is the strongest and most selective variable. However, it is the most delicate and difficult to be used.

    Colors must be carefully chosen by the user – remember that the human eyes are more sensitive to red, green, yellow, blue and purple, in this order.

    The user must find out the more used colors to represent data on his map. For instance, roads are usually red, rivers and oceans are blue and forests are green. In climate maps, tropical areas are usually red and dry areas yellow.

Clearness and legibility

    When a map presents clearness and legibility, the information presented can be more easily found and memorized. The legibility can be achieved by appropriately choosing the lines, shapes and colors. Lines should clearly defined, thin and uniform. Colors, patterns and shading should be easily distinguished and labeled. The shapes of symbols should be clear and comprehensible.

Generating and Printing maps


Map Presentation

It is essential to have a well organized map. Take a look at our suggestion below:



Where:
1- Name and sheet code : for instance São Paulo – SF-23-Y-C-VI-2
2- Name of agency
3- Description of lithostratigraphic units
4- Geological conventions
5- Planialtimetric conventions
6- Information about the base-map
7- Magnetic declination
8- Location Map
9- Map name
10- Numeric Scale
11- Graphic Scale
12- Year
13- Page format
14- Project and Team
15- Area for locating geologic sessions
16- Reserved space (optional) for the map title and bibliography

SCARTA allows the creation of templates that makes easier the generation of standard maps.


Generating and Printing maps

Generalization

It is not recommended to have a map with a large amount of information and details. It is necessary to know how to generalize, distinguishing what is essential from dispensable. A good map needs to be simple, clear and objective. It depends on the user to choose the right scale, size and types of fonts.

The user might think of this generalization when he is digitizing his map, by controlling the points acquisition factor (in millimeters) in relation to the IL scale.

Generating and Printing maps