Map style

Abstract

Cartography is defined not only as specific activity to execute maps, but also as art to create maps. Usage of maps as pictures in public buildings, at workplaces, and even in privacy is an apparent evidence that people are looking at maps as artistic works, which can influence them not only in the sphere of specific knowledge, but also in an emotional sphere. If we come from the character of map as a picture, then it is evident that in the set of various maps it is possible to differentiate various map styles. These styles are possible to identify by map stylistical features. In this article style-forming map factors are presented, which influence the selection of map stylistical features. We tried to classify the map styles on the base of these style-forming factors. We had distinguished historical and contemporary map styles, also individual and regional map styles.