Cartography
Maps and cartography
Maps and cartographic representations have always played a central role in geography. Maps do not fulfill an end in themselves, nor do they serve illustrative purposes. Rather, they represent a fundamental subject-specific working, evaluation and presentation tool of geography as a spatial science.
The tasks of cartography include the visual processing of data and the graphic presentation of spatial information, structures and processes.
Maps and other cartographic forms of representation are designed in a modeling and communication process according to their thematic orientation and focus on (economic and transport) geographical issues as well as their spatial delimitation in a purpose- and user-oriented manner.
Thematic maps and their creation
Due to the diversity of spatial objects and their spatial interrelationships on the earth's surface, information reduction and cartographic generalization are necessary. Cartographic representation methods, used in the classical sense, enable an adequate interpretation of the map by the user.
Important findings of spatial structures and interrelationships are visualized, deducible information is obtained and the insight into spatial relationships is strengthened. By selecting the appropriate map projection, the respective map section is given its geometric accuracy in the plane.
As a map basis, spatial information in analogue or digital form is systematically compiled, analyzed, classified and prepared for the media. An overall editorial concept paves the way for production and enables technical implementation through the interaction of various software products, in particular graphics software (e.g. Adobe Illustrator), image processing software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop) and geographic information systems (e.g. ArcGis). The use of GIS software is an important building block in the cartographic production process.
Cartography service
We are also happy to offer the cartographic expertise available at our chair as a service and contract service for external inquiries.
Our services range from the design and creation of thematic maps for specific issues to fundamental questions on thematic cartography and geoinformation/GIS.
Our range of services includes
- Cartographic consulting
- Map design
- Preparation and technical production of maps
- Geodata infrastructure
- GIS applications
The variety of maps that can be realized is extensive, depending on the content and purpose:
- detailed maps
- thematic maps
- urban and regional overview maps
- Country maps, continental maps, world maps
- Political maps
- presentation maps
- planning maps
Cartography consultation for students
Students who are writing their Bachelor's or Master's thesis at our department can make use of the cartography consultation hours of Dipl.-Ing. Ulrike Overbeck and Dipl.-Ing. Gudrun Reichert by appointment for introductory and orientation advice on cartographic presentation options.
