LI 861 XI and XJ Current Topics in Information Transfer:
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 7.5-minute topographic map of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Image taken from: mac.usgs.gov/ isb/pubs/booklets/topo/topo.html |
| Map Scale and Resolution | Map Projections
| Map Grids and Graticules
| Geodesy
| North Defined!
| Map Legends
| Other Spatial Data
| References and Readings
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This course was first offered for university credit in the spring 2007 semester. Visit Course Schedule and Syllabi to see when it will be taught again for ESU, slim.emporia.edu/program/syllabus/syllabus.htm. Or if you are interested in taking this course on the resources and services associated with map librarianship, please contact Dr. Aber at saber@emporia.edu.
Sample
In order to feel confident in reference situations, a map librarian must understand map basics or the underpinnings of spatial data when projected onto maps. This past week was an introduction to topographic maps, which make up the bulk map collections. We will look in more detail by further explanation of basic cartographic terms and concepts useful for a map librarian to know.
Map Scales and Resolution
Scales and resolution provide the information needed to measure distances on maps and models and to show the size of the objects represented. Scale is a proportion or ratio of distances chosen for maps, globes, and terrain or relief models to actual distances on the ground. Unless the scale is 1:1, which is a map that is exactly the same size as an area it portrays, the ground area and features are likely to be shown proportionally smaller than reality. Resolution is commonly stated in terms of feet or meters and given when working with spatial data in a digital form. For example, 1-meter resolution "tells the user the size of the smallest object that may be represented or perceived in the data" (Larsgaard, 1998, p. 258-9). When a remote-sensed image or map on the computer screen is enlarged or reduced the scale is also enlarged or reduced, but the resolution stays exactly the same.
This page was for the use and benefit of students enrolled at Emporia State University, School of Library and Information Management slim.emporia.edu/. For more information contact the course instructor, S. W. Aber, e-mail: saber@emporia.edu Thanks for visiting! Webpage created: December, 2006; last update: June 17, 2008.