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Mapmaking

Definition

Mapmaking, also known as cartography, is the study and practice of making maps or globes. It involves a combination of science, aesthetics, and technique to create a visual representation of geographical areas.

Analogy

Think of mapmaking like creating a recipe for your favorite dish. Just as you need to know the exact ingredients (landmarks) and their quantities (distances), in mapmaking too, you need to accurately represent landmarks and their distances from each other.

Related terms

Geography: The study of physical features of the earth's surface and its atmosphere including land formations, climate, currents etc.

Topography: The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area.

Scale: In cartography, it refers to the ratio between distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.