People began to use geographic maps for a long time. To travel, schematic images of the area were required, on which the most significant objects were marked, including water obstacles, roads, mountain ranges, settlements. The first maps contained many errors and distortions. Manufacturing technologies of modern cards make it possible to get rid of these shortcomings.
Instructions
Step 1
The creation of a topographic or geographical map begins with the selection of source material. For this, different types of terrain surveying and so-called cartographic materials are used. In the simplest case, an image of the area is drawn from nature. For larger maps, a stereoscopic model, aerial photography, and images taken with artificial earth satellites are used.
Step 2
When the initial cartographic materials are selected, the editorial and preparatory stage begins. Experts study a selection of images, including the geographic features of a particular area. At this stage, an editorial plan and instructions are developed, an initial sample map is drawn up. Instructions, manuals and collections of symbols are used as guiding documents.
Step 3
Next, the original of the future map is drawn up. A mathematical and geodetic basis for the image of the terrain in the required scale is created, a coordinate grid, control points, and bounding boxes are applied to it. Generalization of the image is also carried out if necessary. All elements of the map content are fixed with paints and ink. The original map is subject to deep checking and proofreading.
Step 4
The stage of direct preparation of the map for publication begins. Based on the so-called compilation original, a final publishing layout is drawn, which is distinguished by the best quality of the printed reproduction of the elements of the map content. Particular attention is paid to the selection of paints in which the card is supposed to be published.
Step 5
The final stage of the map creation process is the production of printing plates. Full-fledged cards are subsequently printed from them. The printing plate is a multicolor print, which is the result of the joint work of many specialists.
Step 6
Each stage of map creation is accompanied by comprehensive editing, without which it is impossible to provide the required quality of design and content of the final product. The nature of editing and its direct organization are determined by the characteristics of the source materials, the content of the map and its intended purpose.
