The depiction of terrain on maps has posed special problems. The terrain has three dimensions, length breadth and elevation. The early cartographer depicted only two dimensions. Representation of relief on large-scale topographical sheets is relatively less problematic than its representation on small scale maps. Terrain mapping requires the technique to show the slope, relief, elevation and direction; spot height, hachuring, and contouring to represent relief slope profiles, determination of inter visibility by graphical method, profile shading, layer shading or tinting are the common techniques used in terrain mapping. The terrain-type maps are prepared with the objective of indicating generalized land form types. High mountains, mountains, high upland and plateau, plain and ice-covered areas are broad categories of land form types depicted on the map. Relative relief map, slope map, slope profile, block diagrams (multiple Section method, layer method) are used by the cartographer. Every map is a communication device. In certain cases, it contains discreetly selected limited information. Selection of a particular terrain representation technique is guided by the following.
1. Type of terrain information to be designed
2. Aspect of the terrain to be represented
3. Relation between terrain and other symbols
4. Perceptive problems of the map users
5. Limitations of cost and reproduction process
With proper consideration, the portrayal of relief will be effective.
Weather and Climatic Data. Mapping the weather and climatic data requires the attention and care of a cartographer. The data received from various stations are coded and represented in the synoptic charts. Isolines or Isopleths (for temperature, pressure, rainfall, sunshine, frost, cloud cover and temperature and pressure deviation) are used frequently. Climatic climographs, windroses, hyther and ergographs, dispersion and regression graphs are the cartograms representation made by the cartographer to represent the climatic data. Block diagrams are also used. A map showing the association between two or more climatic elements can also be made. Printouts from meteorological Satellites are now being used.
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