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3.10. Cartography (CAR)

This knowledge area covers the science and design of map production: map projections and coordinate reference systems, cartographic design and generalization, topographic and thematic mapping, and the data models and standards behind digital map products.

Knowledge Area (KA)	Core Tier1	Core Tier2
3.10.1 Map Projections and Coordinate Reference Systems	Elective
3.10.2 Cartographic Design and Generalization	Elective
3.10.3 Topographic and Thematic Cartography	Elective
3.10.4 Cartographic Data Models and Standards	Elective

3.10.1. CAR/Map Projections and Coordinate Reference Systems ↑ Back to top

Map projection theory and distortion, the UTM system and local grids, and the criteria for selecting a projection for regional or national mapping.
Topics:
Core

• Map projection theory: developable surfaces and projection families
• The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system and zone conventions
• Projection distortion: conformality, equal-area, and equidistant properties
• Local and national grid systems derived from a base projection
• Criteria for selecting a map projection for a given mapping purpose and extent

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Explain map projection theory and the trade-offs among projection families [Familiarity]
2. Apply the UTM system's zone conventions to a mapping project [Usage]
3. Evaluate the distortion characteristics of a given projection for a mapping task [Assessment]
4. Derive a local grid system from a national base projection [Usage]
5. Select a map projection appropriate to a given purpose and geographic extent [Assessment]

3.10.2. CAR/Cartographic Design and Generalization ↑ Back to top

Principles of map composition and symbolization, cartographic generalization across scales, and the use of color and visual hierarchy in effective map design.
Topics:
Core

• Map composition elements: title, legend, scale, north arrow, and layout
• Symbolization of point, line, and area features
• Cartographic generalization: simplification, selection, and exaggeration across scales
• Map scale selection and its relationship to feature detail and generalization
• Color theory and visual hierarchy in map design

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Compose a map layout with appropriate title, legend, scale, and north arrow elements [Usage]
2. Design symbolization for point, line, and area features on a map [Assessment]
3. Generalize map content appropriately for a target scale [Assessment]
4. Select an appropriate map scale for a given purpose and level of detail [Familiarity]
5. Apply color theory and visual hierarchy principles to improve map readability [Usage]

3.10.3. CAR/Topographic and Thematic Cartography ↑ Back to top

Conventions of topographic map series production, the main thematic map types, and the digital production workflows and accuracy standards behind modern map products.
Topics:
Core

• Topographic map series conventions and national mapping grids (e.g. Peru's Carta Nacional)
• Thematic map types: choropleth, isoline, dot-density, and proportional symbol maps
• Digital cartographic production workflows
• Map accuracy standards and positional accuracy testing
• Cartographic metadata documentation

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Explain topographic map series conventions and national mapping grid systems [Familiarity]
2. Select an appropriate thematic map type for a given dataset and message [Usage]
3. Produce a digital cartographic product following a defined production workflow [Usage]
4. Test a map product against an applicable positional accuracy standard [Assessment]
5. Document the metadata of a cartographic product [Familiarity]

3.10.4. CAR/Cartographic Data Models and Standards ↑ Back to top

Vector and raster data models underlying digital maps, national mapping standards, web mapping/tile services, and the data interoperability and quality control practices that support them.
Topics:
Core

• Vector and raster data models for cartographic products
• National mapping standards and spatial data infrastructure (e.g. Peru's IDEP)
• Web mapping services and tile-based map delivery standards
• Data interoperability standards for exchanging cartographic data
• Quality control procedures for cartographic data production

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Distinguish vector from raster data models and identify when each is appropriate for a cartographic product [Familiarity]
2. Apply a national mapping standard or spatial data infrastructure specification to a mapping project [Usage]
3. Publish a cartographic product as a web map or tile service [Usage]
4. Verify data interoperability when exchanging cartographic data between systems [Assessment]
5. Perform quality control on a cartographic data production workflow [Assessment]