Cartographic Map Design
Cartography or map making is the practice of creating maps or visual representations of a surface, as you would see it from above it.
Traditionally maps have always been created using pen and paper, but since the introduction and wide spread use of geographic information systems (GIS) better computers, and the Internet cartography practices have evolved more into a variety of digital formats.
Most maps today are now generated using map software that falls into one of three main types; GIS, CAD, or specialized map graphic design software.
These days many consider cartography to be more precise, thanks to advancements in computer technology, satellites and GPS. Earlier maps, though, were created by hand using simple instruments with mathematical equations.
Ptolemy, a Greek cartographer from the 14th century derived a projection consisting of set of geographical coordinates to map the Roman Empire. Eratosthenes, another Greek cartographer was the the first person to determine the circumference of the Earth. Many centuries later, and still some of their techniques are still used by cartographers in map making.
My cartography experience began during my time studying geology at Acadia University. I was involved in several geology field mapping courses creating geology maps. Then while studying remote sensing techniques at COGS, I started to use various GIS and graphic design software packages to create mapping products. These days I create maps on a daily basis for the majority of projects that I am involved in.
“In cartography, as in medicine, art and science are inseparable. The perfect map blends art and science into an effective tool of visual communication.” ~ Dr. Keith Harries

Cartography | Basic Overview
A map utilizes a variety of colors, symbols, and labels to represent actual features and provide information on their existence, location, and the distance between them. It can also indicate variation in terrain, heights of natural features, and the extent of vegetation cover.
Maps often function as visualization tools for spatial data which is acquired from actual measurements and can be stored into a database, from which it can be later extracted for a variety of purposes. Current trends in this field are moving away from traditional methods of map making and toward the creation of increasingly dynamic, interactive maps that can be manipulated digitally, often known as Web GIS.
Most maps will contain a scale parameter that will allow the user to convert distance on the map to distance on the ground or vice versa. The ability to determine distance on a map, as well as on the earth’s surface, is an important factor in GIS and the spatial relationships between features. Other important key elements or features that you should find on a good map would be a title, a data frame, a legend, a scale bar, a north arrow, and citation information such as the date, the creator, projection, overview map location etc.
Some Examples of Cartography and Digital Mapping Products
- MacKinnon E (2000) 8th International Marathon Canoe World Championship Site Map – designed for the International Marathon Canoe World Championship that were held in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
- MacKinnon E (2003) AGRG Annapolis Valley LIDAR Ground Validation Campaign – presented at the Geomatics Atlantic 2003 Conference held at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia and posted at the Applied Geomatics Research Group seminar room in Middleton, Nova Scotia
- MacKinnon E (2003) Jeremy’s Bay Campground, Kejimkujik National Park – campground was surveyed in 2003 and mapped for Parks Canada MacKinnon E (2003)
Jim Charles Loop of Jeremy’s Bay Campground, Kejimkujik National Park – campground was surveyed in 2003 and mapped for Parks Canada MacKinnon E (2003) - New Brunswick High Precision Network and AGRG 2003/2004 LIDAR Zones – presented at the Geomatics Atlantic 2003 Conference held at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia and used during the ground validation survey in New Brunswick
Canadian Cartographic Association
The Canadian Cartographic Association (CCA) was founded in 1975 with the aims of promoting interest in maps and related cartographic materials, furthering the understanding and knowledge of maps, and advancing education in cartography through the use of maps.
Three decades later, the aims remain the same, although the CCA now considers its constituency to extend beyond Cartography to embrace closely related fields such as GIS. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in any aspect of mapping and members are drawn from the ranks of government, industry, and education, and from the general public.
At the 2018 CCA annual general meeting I was elected to the position of Vice President. Membership is open to anyone in the geospatial community, both individuals and organizations interested in cartography. The core group that makes up the CCA area great bunch of people that are constantly encouraging more people to get involved. Click here, to find out how to join the CCA
Cartographic Section
Much of the material in the cartography part of my website originated from my original online portfolio that I used to further my career.
Since then it has morphed into more of a resources section related to remote sensing that includes helpful information about cartography and maps, including various related books, images, maps, data and much more.
(Use the search tools to find remote sensing related material on this site or browse some of the latest additions using the links below).