SOME Truth with Maps: A Primer on Symbolization and Design

Abstract

The scene for the book is set in Chapter 1: any scientific map plays one of four particular roles. An exploration map visualizes data, assisting the researcher in discovering patterns as yet unknown. A confirmation map enhances some patterns, allowing the scientist to visually test an hypothesis. A synthesis map requires the researcher to decide what details to hide and what relationships to emphasize. A presentation map simplifies things still further and aims to persuade an audience of research findings. This exemplifies the essential difference between this and other cartography books that simply state that there are general and special - purpose maps, or list a few map type examples.