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A Map User Guide

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1. G G G G G G G G G G G G O G PIPL OP OOO LO OOOO ODO OOOO OP OP PAOD PPP OM OOM DNI OOO GG GG A Map User Guide gt To Reading Tactual and Low Vision Maps By B E Goodrick M B E F A I C First published 1987 Division of National Mapping Copyright Commonwealth of Australia Department of Resources and Energy ISBN 0 642 10014 4 POAQDDIODID ID DIDODODODODODDAIONAAMIAMARADNO AAD AD PNONNN ND PROD bECCEEECCECECECCECECECEECEECEECECECEEUCOECEKEECEEEEEECEEECEECECECEGEEHEECECEME FOREWORD Maps are a valuable source of information about the world in which we live This unique guide is designed to introduce maps to the visually handicapped by explaining basic map elements and by providing the skills necessary for successful map reading It is the result of an outstanding cooperative effort between the author cartographers and geographers in the Division of National Mapping organisations serving the visually handicapped and blind and visually impaired people themselves The text diagrams map symbols and sample maps were completed only after extensive testing amongst blind and visually impaired people ranging from young high school students to mature adults The author Mr Byrne Goodrick is a cartographer of long standing international repute Through his chairmanship of the Australian Institute of Cartographers Working Gr
2. 0 000000000000000000 zace required by braille and bold e between features on a map so e limitations on the amount of v vision maps different map scales Figure 7 1 vo different scales You will notice 1es have been omitted at the ibol has been simplified fferent scales On the smaller scale he smallest lakes have been ive been combined into one all scale still indicate that more shape of the series of lakes has wo different scales may be ut of the toilets with their entrance the small scale a single symbol is 1 relation to the street been simplified by omitting the the larger scale BU GLULULUULULULLUGLULULULUVLULVL VUVULGUGCGGULUGGGGGGGGBGCGCK GCGUVGBGOGGQGUCU G ECEEEG BODDODIOODDODDDDIODOI DDDDODOODOYDOVOV MVD OOOVOODPODOOVDODIYON Figure 7 1 Town Map large scale asasssasunasonnnnannnnnnnansnnna High Street Main Street Figure 7 2 Lakes large scale a sassssnsnsnsnnsnnnnnntnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnana Figure 7 3 Toilets large scale cs sscssscnsnonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn0nanana nn Figure 7 4 Rivers large scal 0oooc00000000000000000000000000000 40000000000000640000000 FIGURE 7 GENERALISATION OF MAP DETAIL ST Town Map small scale ma Lakes small scale 2 E TEET Toilets small scale t M ain St Rivers small scale 7 30 SECTION 9 Map Reading Strategie
3. Now that you have a mental image something about its content and the can begin a more detailed study of MAP CONTENT Perception of a whole map can only map and fitting them all together in The following hints will be helpful w e Maps which depict point data for mineral deposits etc may best b individual locations to State borde e Maps which depict data such as explored by tracing the length of borders and or the coastline e Area data such as soil types and category by category again using known features As map detail comes in many forms reading strategies The exercises in strategies suited to different types o use many of the skills you have lea between a distance on the map same two points on the ground ation on the face of the map except case the scale will often be shown r Map Legend ynsists of a list of the symbols used plaining what each symbol atlases and topographic map series each map However where a ard set of symbols a separate or all maps in the series he symbols used on the map are e map content Iso find additional notes relating to braille or bold print feature names numbers and in such cases a list in the margin or on a separate DIOIOADDAAMANDAADDADDADDHDDDADDHDHDHDDNANHDAHDHHMAAADHHMHNPAMANDHNHHHNHE bVLV VVLVVVVVVVVVVVVVL VVLUV V VLUVGGGGGGGGGBGGVGGGGGYGOGBGV G GCOGEGG 33 Now that you have a mental image of the general layout of the
4. 43 S 14 Topographic Map Grids Topographic maps usually have a grid of parallel N S and E W lines spaced at regular intervals Map coordinates can be read from these grid lines in metres from W to E the eastings and from S to N the northings When determining such map coordinates the easting should always be read first GRATICULES Latitude and longitude is the best known and most universal system of map referencing Lines of latitude called parallels circle the earth in an E W direction parallel to the Equator and lines of longitude called meridians circle the earth in a N S direction converging through the North and South Poles When shown on a map parallels and meridians are often curved but cross each other to form a graticule which can be used in the same way as a map grid to locate features or read their coordinates Graticule values in degrees minutes and seconds are known as geographical coordinates or simply geographicals or coordinates Latitude and longitude are measured in degrees minutes and seconds latitude up to 90 degrees N and S of the Equator and longitude up to 180 degrees E and W of Greenwich Observatory in England As there are 60 minutes in a degree and 60 seconds in a minute this form of referencing can accurately describe any point on the earth s surface In Figure 3 2 the earth is represented by a circle with latitude lines parallel to the Equator EQ a
5. DPPAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPONNNNNO e CESS CES SSS SE SCS EE DT CEE CEEEEEEE ESE SETEESSESESESSSSCSSOCECHSEUCE ADANA OOOOOOVO OOOOOOODQOODOOOORP SECTION 4 Map Reference Syste Most maps have some form of referen places and other features on maps MAP GRIDS A grid divides the map into columns a logical way to find a point or area on Alphanumeric Grids Tactual and low vision maps usually h to indicate a small area of the map in is generally shown by ticks around the columns which are lettered and run dc numbered and run across the page L left hand corner of the grid Figure 3 1 provides a simple alphanun within it To establish where the triang and find the corresponding letter and corresponding number The triangle is values which specify its location know when working with alphanumeric grids always be stated before the number re It may not always be easy for you to with your fingers and in these cases lt see if you can find the coordinates of cross The answers are at the end of a magnetic compass which works needle always points towards the etic north a compass on it and rotating the map pass are pointing in the same ass has been placed adjacent to the Compass can of course be placed rth and compass north is what is 1 are very useful to both the visually al north is usually indicated by a tion for tactual reading s the lid movement to lock the dial of compass place the map and ass adj
6. Figure 6 4 gives some examples of these situations LETTER AND NUMBER ABBREVIATIONS Lack of space on tactual and low vision maps will sometimes mean that feature names have to be abbreviated on the face of the map Letters and or numbers are often used in place of names with an accompanying list providing the full names or descriptions When this technique is used it will be indicated in the legend or elsewhere in the marginal information on the map Figure 6 gives only some samples of the many problems associated with the placement of names on tactual and low vision maps Don t be surprised if you encounter others SVVVVVVVUVVVVVVVVUVUVUVVVVVVVVVVWDLUV LDLUGLOLDLLLVLLVLVVVL VBVOVGOGGGEGGG FBDODODDODODDODHNADODONDOODNODNOADBABDBBBPBPPEDBPBDBPBDBDBBDBBPBDBPVODPDODDA SECTION 8 Generalisation of M Generally the amount of detail which by the map scale only on very large feature The amount of detail which lt map scale becomes smaller Maps which contain too much inform and are of little use The cartographe simplification and selection to ensure of information but at the same time r generalisation SIMPLIFICATION Cartographers commonly simplify date less complex so that they are more number of small features are represe categories of data to reduce the num SELECTION Selection is undertaken by ranking th least important can then be omitted For example a large scale map may classificat
7. e amp BDVVGVVVVVVVYVVVVGVVVNVNGVUGV VV GV VGVBBGBLLLGLLBVBVBVBVGKGBBYVVVGO G cecce 41 recognised by the shape of Cape York Peninsula Victoria by the indentation of Port Phillip Bay and the distinctive shape of the Murray River its northern boundary and SE South Australia by the indentations of Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent Tactual and low vision map users who are familiar with the major features of a base or general reference map will find that they have a valuable source of locational information when they progress to reading thematic maps Use Figure 11 to complete the following exercises Compass directions are used to guide you around the coast step by step identifying coastal features For the purpose of this exericse remember that N is towards the top of the page S to the bottom E to the right and W to the left Read the map in the following sequence Step 1 Scan the whole map in vertical strips by eye or by using both hands Step 2 Locate and read the map title Step 3 Locate and read the map scale find out what distances the scale subdivisions represent Step 4 Locate and read the map legend become familiar with the symbols used on the map and what each represents Step 5 Locate the island and State of Tasmania in the extreme SE of the map and trace its coastline Then beginning at the NE tip of Tasmania move N across Bass Strait 1 and locate Cape Howe 2 on the SE co
8. Australian Capital Territory Director Division of National Mapping PO Box 31 Belconnen A C T 2616 Telephone 062 52 6383 RRR RRRREOROREREREREREREER EE ddd oovovvvuuv Commonwealth Surveyor General Australian Survey Office PO Box 2 Belconnen A C T 2616 Telephone 062 52 7088 New South Wales Director Central Mapping Authority of New South Wales Panorama Avenue Bathurst N S W 2795 Telephone 063 31 5344 Northern Territory Surveyor General Survey and Mapping Division Department of Lands PO Box 1680 Darwin N T 5794 Telephone 089 89 7027 BRPRIPMAPPPADODADNADNDONDODDDODAONDAPARPRSRRPSAP PEPER RPREPAPRPONNDNDH snsiand Surveyor General Department of Mapping and Surv Watkins Place 288 Edward Street Brisbane Qld 4000 Telephone 07 224 2111 South Australia Surveyor General Department of Lands GPO Box 1047 Adelaide S A 5001 Telephone 08 227 2614 Tasmania Director of Mapping Department of Lands GPO Box 44A Hobart Tas 7001 Telephone 002 30 6050 Victoria Surveyor General Department of Property and Servi 2 Treasury Place Melbourne Vic 3002 Telephone 03 651 2912 s to which enquiries can be Vales PHRRHANNNNHHHEH pono DDMD OVOOLLVOOGVVOVU VVYVOGQGVGVVYV GQYGGGLGVLVGOOCOOOOOGGLLOOGGOGOG OVGOGGOGOGGGGECEGG RANENNEECEO00000D000DDEN NEP 57 Queensland Surveyor General Department of Mapping and Surveying Watki
9. dequate explanations of cartographic illustrations will enable you to and use une i e flat surface rld size and distance al world ngible features on the earth s changes in direction and SFEGOCOOCECUOCUUOU OOH HO HOOH OHHH EKOKEKHOKKEKOKOCHOKHKHOHOHKOULOUHEHE PILPOPO POOP PPO DOOM OOO OOOO DOP IPP PPP PPOD OND OPO NNN OHH 3 Skills which need to be developed include e systematic scanning and perception of map data e use of map scale e map and user orientation e symbol recognition and discrimination e shape outline recognition e tracing line symbols SECTION 2 Map Scale One of the most important characteristics of a map is that it enables the reader to measure distances between mapped features However maps are necessarily smaller than the areas they represent and must state the ratio between comparable distances on the map and the ground to enable accurate measurements to be made This ratio is known as the map scale The map scale is therefore commonly thought of as being the ratio between a distance on the map and the corresponding distance between the same two points on the ground with the distance on the map always expressed as one Effective map use is impossible without a proper understanding of scale Map scale not only provides you with knowledge of distances between objects on the ground but it is a prime factor in assisting you to appreciate the relative position of mapped
10. scanning is to trace in turn the major features like the coastline rivers roads railways etc DVOLVGJVULVLVLVVVVV VGVVGVVVVVVVV VGL GVGHGHGVLDVDGGVGHGOHOLGLG V GGVVVGOG BGG PPDPPAOBDDODDOODADOOONOODODDODAPPPPPPPRPPPPPPRPPPPPERONNNDM V You may find it necessary to repeat to gain a mental picture of the whol MARGINAL INFORMATION The first pieces of map information the map margin You will of course preliminary scan They are e map title e map scale e map legend and should be read in this sequenc Map Title A map title is a concise statement often consists of two parts e A primary title that identifies the e A secondary title that states the lt For example a map titled Sydney map covers the whole of metropolite being local government areas boun Civic Centre Sheet 1 of 3 Sheets cover the whole of Civic Centre Ot are more self explanatory and give lt f the basic map elements and be ally This will take practice on your teps the task will be made easier e map area such as the title scale and y scan of the entire map area before etail It should be done slowly and omplete mental picture of the 1 of scanning is to use both hands n the map If you use three fingers perceptual window the whole map use of six fingers also helps in on Because you are accustomed to yet used to vertical scanning but n effective means of covering the r a
11. 34 degrees S 151 degrees E population onthe population Melbourne 38 degrees S 151 degrees E Hobart 43 degrees S 147 degrees E ction Adelaide 34 degrees S 139 degrees E Darwin 12 degrees S 131 degrees E Figure 13 Australia Uplands and Deserts About 3500 kilometres Approximately one third etres Figure 14 Map 1 Australia Elevation etres Eleven separate areas etres Figure 14 Map 2 Australia Population Density In a continuous strip along the SE coast from N of Brisbane to near the NSW V border we we RPOPAPADAFRPORPRPDRDDDOHDDOHODDHANDDHHDAARAASSASCAAAPAPPPPAHPPRHAVMNNNNAHDRSH D 54 SECTION 11 Map Maker and Map User Communication Annex 1 Distributors of tactual Skill in map reading and the benefit and enjoyment which can be gained from gt Braille compasses scales etc can it will depend to a large extent on your ability to select the right reading e organisations strategy Hints given in this book are only a starting point and a general guide gt Now South Wales With practice and experience you will find out which methods best suit your a needs and with continued experimentation you will develop even greater e Royal Blind Society of New South expertise in map reading ba 4 Mitchell Street It should be remembered that much remains to be discovered about tactual and e Shae pees 3 56 790 low vision perception and cartographers still have much to learn about
12. 35 degrees S 131 d Hobart 43 degrees 147 d Adelaide 34 degrees 139 d Darwin 12 degrees S 131 d Brisbane 27 degrees S 153 di map e j j e Sydney 34 degrees S 151 d 2 where is the largest single area of dense population on the population Melbourne 38 degrees S 151 di density map M S S The answers are given at the end of this section eu ANSWERS TO EXERCISES IN SECTION 10 os Figure 13 Australia Uplands and D Figure 8 Urbanville Town Centre Z About 3500 kilometres An E W direction Approximately one third Railway station and town hall 125 metres F Figure 14 Map 1 Australia Elevatic Railway station and bus terminal 165 metres R Eleven separate areas Town hall and bus terminal 75 metres Figure 14 Map 2 Australia Populat In a continuous strip along the S NSW V border Figure 11 Australia General Reference Brisbane and Sydney 750 kilometres Adelaide and Melbourne 700 kilometres Adelaide and Perth 2150 kilometres Darwin and Adelaide 2500 kilometres Melbourne and Sydney 700 kilometres DAVRIDAADADANANRADANNANANNDNNDAN VOGVG09V999VBVVVLVUYVVLVUV VVVVVGVLVYVGBBLBVGBGBLVLBLG BVVVVBKRYVVUVUOGELETCECE EC 53 Figure 12 Australia Latitude and Longitude elevation and population density Canberra 35 degrees S 131 degrees E atres are depicted on the elevation Brisbane 27 degrees S 153 degrees E j j Sydney
13. 9 The answers can be found at the end of this section 1 In what direction does Smith Road run 2 Locate the features listed to the lower left of the map by using the alphanumeric references provided Now as an exercise using map scale determine the distance between each of the following pairs of points e railway station and town hall e railway station and bus terminal e town hall and bus terminal MAKING A JOURNEY Whether the journey is a walk in the country or to visit a friend in the city it is best to first study a map Make sure that you have all the available maps To get to a particular building or business it may be necessary to consult a street map as well as an even larger scale map of just a city block to find the exact location of the place you wish to visit It will also usually be helpful if you consult an overall city map to get an idea of the general location of your destination in relation to where you will be commencing your journey 38 Procedure Begin planning your journey by using a compass to correctly orient the map Next use the map to identify your destination If for example it is the house of a friend find the street in which he or she lives You will have already found the most convenient means of travel that is bus train etc from other sources Locate the railway station or bus stop nearest to your destination on the map and then determine and note the streets along which yo
14. A more accurate measurement can be achieved by using dividers to obtain the length between selected points Did you notice that the same three scales 1 1250 1 25 000 and 1 30 000 000 were represented in three different ways in Figure 1 Maps can be drawn at many different scales and the terms small scale and large scale are often used One way to explain these terms is to imagine that you have two maps covering exactly the same area of the earth s surface but at different scales The larger scale map will be larger than the small scale map Conversely if you have two maps of the same size but at different scales the larger scale map will cover a smaller area of the earth s surface than the smaller scale map Examples of small scale maps found in this User Guide are the maps of Australia at 1 20 000 000 1 22 000 000 and 1 30 000 000 whereas the map Urbanville Town Centre at 1 1250 is a large scale map 8 SECTION 3 Map Direction and Orientation MAP DIRECTION Map direction relates to direction in the real world and is usually described in terms of the four main or cardinal points of the compass north N south S east E and west W These cardinal points divide the map into four quadrants which can be further subdivided in half by the intercardinal points north east NE which is half way between north and east north west NW south east SE and south west SW Figur
15. E t e e e e e e e e e e e K e e e s oss asa aint Aan SNe Is ing HGGLGLLUGULGLGL UGULLULUULUVLOVUVVVVVVUGVGUUGGGGGGWGUVGGUVV GGUGGVLVGUVOUVUGUE EEE 15 Figure 3 3 illustrates a small section of a latitude and longitude graticule at 30 minute intervals The inner square is further subdivided into 3 minute intervals The dot near the middle of this square is located at 42 degrees 48 minutes S latitude and 5 degrees 45 minutes E longitude Try to work out the coordinates for the cross and the square The answers can be found below ANSWERS TO EXERCISES IN SECTION 4 Figure 3 1 Alphanumeric Grid Circle A2 Cross E1 Figure 3 3 Latitude and Longitude Cross 42 degrees 36 minutes S 5 degrees 54 minutes E Square 42 degrees 54 minutes S 6 degrees 18 minutes E 16 SECTION 5 Map Symbols and Legend The main purpose of a map is to communicate data to the map user Maps as graphic systems of communication use a variety of symbols to represent this data These symbols are the language of maps There are three main elements which enable you to distinguish one map symbol from another They are e Shape for example a rectangle may be used to represent a building while a triangle may represent a mine e Size most commonly used to indicate the degree of importance of a feature For example a large circle may represent a city and a small circle may represent a town e Colour and texture
16. a map The values may be for heights above sea level ocean depths atmospheric pressure and so on These lines have special names when they measure certain features for example e contours measure height e isotherms measure temperature e isobars measure air pressure e isobaths measure ocean depth e isohyets measure rainfall e isochrones measure time Unlike many other map symbols which represent real objects isolines are an abstraction used to interpret and depict data Isoline maps can be divided into two separate types isometric maps and isopleth maps Isometric maps such as contour maps consist of lines drawn through points of equal value Isopleth maps like population density maps consist of lines connecting areas with equal values These values are obtained for defined areas such as towns or census districts Contours are probably the most common type of isoline Contour maps show the pattern of relief of an area of land by lines which join points that are the same height above or below sea level The height of each contour is usually written on the contour line The vertical distance between each of the lines the contour interval is constant and usually stated in the map legend Figure 5 explains how contours are used to depict the land surface 9 DBAACAAR ANARAARAKROONHDDODODNDOGODPRRDGRPRPPRPAPPRPPPROPRPRPPOHPNONDOOM SEGOGUEEVE EE CUEUEU ECE ECEECUOECE soss Ssss CoC a a E Figure 5 1 Thre
17. features and thus build a mental picture of a mapped area It is this pre knowledge of an area which enables you to move with confidence from one location to another Map scale can be expressed in the following ways scale statement e graphic or bar scale e representative fraction SCALE STATEMENT On many maps the scale is described in words and numbers For example 1 centimetre equals 100 kilometres or as often found 1 centimetre to 100 kilometres This means that 1 centimetre on the map represents 100 kilometres on the earth s surface Figure 1 1 gives some examples of scale statements G t e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e lt S c e e e e e e c e e e e e e e e e e e SHOVIFUEFTUTOEUUEEEEEEUOOEHEDHHODHHCHOHSHHOHOHHOHHOHHEKHEUEHHE GRAPHIC OR BAR SCALE This is a line or parallel lines placec enable distances between points on ground distances they represent Suc units of measurement such as 10s o left hand end of the scale may be si measured more precisely Figure 1 2 includes some different ki scale is divided into major units only recognition REPRESENTATIVE FRACTION Map scale is commonly expressed a which map distances are expressed 1 10 000 This means that 1mm or 10 000 cm respectively on the earth 1000 times smaller than that part of an RF scale of 1 1000 Figure 1 3 gives some ex
18. map and know something about its content and the way in which the data are FIE you can begin a more detailed study of the map content MAP CONTENT Perception of a whole map can only be achieved by exploring small parts of the map and fitting them all together into a coherent whole The following hints will be helpful when you are reading map content e Maps which depict point data for example maps portraying urban centres mineral deposits etc may best be explored State by State by relating individual locations to State borders and or the coastline e Maps which depict data such as roads or railways by lines may best be explored by tracing the length of individual features and relating them to State borders and or the coastline e Area data such as soil types and rainfall distribution may best be explored category by category again using the familiar shapes of the coast and other known features As map detail comes in many forms different maps are often suited to different reading strategies The exercises in the next section include examples of strategies suited to different types of maps and will give you the opportunity to use many of the skills you have learnt in the previous sections 34 SECTION 10 Map Reading Exercises The following maps and explanations are designed to provide you with experience in reading different types of maps They will enable you to apply the knowledge you have gained in earli
19. side A valley begins near the top of the hill and runs down the upper left hand or north western slope In Figure 5 2 the same hill is represented by a series of layers of equal height Assuming the bottom layer to be sea level the edges of the other layers represent lines of equal height above sea level they are contour lines In Figure 5 3 the edges of the layers in Figure 5 2 are represented by lines on the three dimensional drawing of the same hill they are contour lines on the ground surface of the hill Figure 5 4 is a plan map view of the contour lines in Figure 5 3 Values for the contour lines in 100 metre intervals have been added from sea level up to 300 metres The highest contour which represents 400 metres above sea level is unlabelled Note that the contours are closer together where the slope is steep on the right hand side and wider apart on the left hand side where the slope is more gentle Also the valley on the left slope is represented by contour lines which run in one side of the valley and back out the other In Figure 5 4 you will notice that the three dimensional hill has been accurately depicted on a flat plane Figure 5 represents only a simple relief feature In the real world however the terrain is very diverse and complex and to date little research has been undertaken on the ability of blind people to interpret terrain from contours Nevertheless simple contours and other isolines can be readil
20. station esseseseeesee North point 0000000 esesoosovecsescecoessooosososoeseoooooosossosossesosoooososososesorooosos eecesssecosecssosecoocsecssocsoosraeccecsooeosocscosecoeactsoosescossosooo TS FIGURE 9 URBANVILLE TOWN CENTRE MAP LEGENDE gt 58 ea ors Crug COR Code eee eee ee EEE HEHEHE DOSS O CHOOSE TOE SO SOT OO ESOS EEE EES OH ERED ESOS EOD lake etC 00000000000000000000000000000000000 T NONO DD NN DDD RD D D DDD DDD DB PQ ADD SVG GLUVGLVLVUVGLUVLUVVLVLLV V VGVUGVG VVGGVBVLUVGHUVHD ULLVGGLGGVL GL LGGG COR e eee ORE HOHE SOE HEHE EEO ESE EEE EES ESEOO OEE OEE TESES OSES EH OOS OOS DBAaD IDIABRDANAARANA After your initial scan of the town me and study of the legend you will hav features shown on the map As the s map familiarise yourself with individu to end Are the streets in a regular particular direction Where is the ma picture of the street pattern you can in relation to the streets Complete the following exercises usin found at the end of this section 1 In what direction does Smith Road 2 Locate the features listed to the lo alphanumeric references provided determine the distance between ez e railway station and town hall e railway station and bus terminal e town hall and bus terminal MAKING A JOURNEY Whether the journey is a walk in the best to first study a map Make sure that you have all the avail o
21. 1250 units on the ground 1 25 000 1 unit on the map represents 25 000 units on the ground 1 30 000 000 1 unit on the map represents 30 000 000 units on the ground TMAOAROOOOOOOONROOOOOOOOYOOO DOOOOBGOOOBOOIPBBBBPOOBBODOCBOBOOOOOOOOOO SLGLGGEGGVGGULGGUVUGLGL VGULGVUVVVGLOGUVOEGHY AD GSGGHGVGHVHVOGVVBVGVGOVVBOGOGUVOGGE Your thumb and forefinger can also two points However both of these measurements A more accurate me dividers to obtain the length betwe Did you notice that the same three 1 30 000 000 were represented in 1 Maps can be drawn at many differe large scale are often used One w you have two maps covering exacth different scales The larger scale m Conversely if you have two maps c larger scale map will cover a small smaller scale map Examples of sm the maps of Australia at 1 20 000 0 the map Urbanville Town Centre a FIGURE 1 MAP SCALE S d and fifty metres Ss 7500 10000 Metres aan 150 200 Kilometres 2400 3000 Kilometres p represents 1250 units on the ground p represents 25 000 units on the ground p represents 30 000 000 units on the ground DIDO DODO DOOD DODO DOO RAP OPP PPO OOOO ONO OO IAI DED COUCUOOOUOUOUUUOUEOEEEETEEEOKERKHOEKOKUHOUUHECEEY es a es e ela ez D 7 Your thumb and forefinger can also be used to measure the distance between two points However both of these methods will only give approximate measurements
22. FIGURES FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE 1 O ON DO 01 FF O N 10 11 12 13 14 Map Maker and Map Distributors of tactual Official mapping orge Cartographers addres Map Scale Map Direction and Ori Map Reference System Map Symbols Contours Naming Features on a Generalisation of Map Urbanville Town Centre Urbanville Town Centre Orienting a Map Australia General Ref Australia Latitude and Australia Uplands anc Australia Elevation Australia Population D ence Maps ude vii 34 099998 w G G U G G UV G U G G C C POAQLIGO DODD OOOO IVDODO DOD OD OPDAIMPPAVAMPP DADO NOD ON OH C C gt 2 E 9 D 3 S S 3 3 SECTION 11 Annex 1 Annex 2 FIGURES FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE FIGURE 11 FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13 FIGURE 14 O ON OO BF O N o V Map Maker and Map User Communication 54 Distributors of tactual aids for map reading z 55 Official mapping organisations and Australian Institute of Cartographers addresses 56 Map Scale Map Direction and Orientation Map Reference Systems Map Symbols Contours Naming Features on a Map Generalisation of Map Detail Urbanville Town Centre Urbanville Town Centre Map Legend Orienting a Ma
23. GVGGOGV GGUGVGCVGGVGGGV VUVUVGVOVOVVOG GOGOGVUVLVBVVV O GOGOGOGOGO ABBBBBRBRANARANNDANADANANDNARDBBBBBBBBABABOABDBDBBDDA A Scan each map separately then go paying particular attention to the le the map content Trace the outline to the coastline and the next class Elevation No doubt you discovered that Austr area lying less than 300 metres abc elevated areas of over 300 metres c eastern coast includes the Great D part of WA and extending into the the upland areas of the Pilbara the of the limited areas of over 600 me much larger areas of over 300 metr ranges Population Density Australia with its dry forbidding int occupation is the world s most spar the SW the SE and the eastern co population density These areas corr rural and urban population concentr development The limited areas with around the capital cities and along gt FIGURE 14 DVVVOVVVVVVBVLVVVVVGLVLGULUVV YVUVUVVVGBBLBBBLLBLBBBVGBGVGOBGBVGBVOB GGGCEGGG PIAPPOODDODPDDDDODODOODDOODODDOPPAP PPPAPPRPPPHPMOHAPREPOOODNNHNNE 51 Scan each map separately then go ahead and read the marginal information paying particular attention to the legend on each map before attempting to read the map content Trace the outline of each class of data and relate its position to the coastline and the next class of data Elevation No doubt you discovered that Australia is mainly low and flat with much of
24. O O U UU O O O O O O GU GG ETG Figure 6 1 Point features FIGURE 6 NAMING FEATURES ON A MAP First Dreferehcecsssssnniscoennidsannaieosabsklaat snaslaans asssdanasssa d dab a s dduninass HName Second preference ceccccccccccecccavccccccccccccccccccccccsccscecscsscececcssessccscess Name Third pret rence sssc ceso sb cevcssecews sas caicee see s 0s dec aaan Salka a aa Name Figure 6 2 Line features Figure 6 3 Area features Figure 6 4 Names cutting coastlines Sydney 26 AREA FEATURES Names of area features like lakes and parks are wherever possible placed in the centre of the area to which they refer If the name is too large to fit wholly within the feature it will usually be placed partly within the bounded area and the boundary will be broken to allow the name to extend beyond it Figure 6 3 gives some examples of name placement for area features When naming features on a map cartographers will always try to avoid breaking line symbols However at times the problem of name placement will dictate that features like the coastline and boundaries be broken For example the name of a coastal town may have to be positioned so that it cuts the coast or placed entirely in the sea to allow more space for features on the land In these cases any associated patterns will be cleared to allow the names to be easily read
25. Use Figure 11 to complete the follo to guide you around the coast step purpose of this exericse remember the bottom E to the right and W to Read the map in the following sequ Step 1 Scan the whole map in vert Step 2 Locate and read the map ti Step 3 Locate and read the map si subdivisions represent Step 4 Locate and read the map le used on the map and what Step 5 Locate the island and State and trace its coastline Then beginning at the NE 1 and locate Cape Howe mainland Trace the SE coa coast northwards and locate lap refer to Figure 10 braille or this can sometimes be confusing is or features which should be to ay This is the purpose of ty to maintain orientation of a he map will reinforce the you identified on the map when fy your position as you reach them or phenomena which if you make r progress on the return journey MATIC MAPS osition and depict thematic data on graphic detail A small scale base 2 coastline State boundaries major populated places and selected air own right as in Figures 11 and PS ire 11 will help you to become tates and the locations of its has a number of distinctive features enable you to easily recognise example N Queensland can be gt E c e amp e e e e e e amp gt t gt e amp amp e
26. a limited range of strong colours can be used on low vision maps For example red may represent urban land green non urban land and blue water features However as tactual maps can only be read by touch texture is used instead of colour This texture is generated by the use of various patterns For example a solid raised area could represent urban land vertical stripes represent non urban land and small dots represent water features Symbols that are suitable for tactual maps have been found to be equally effective for low vision map users All map symbols can be divided into three types e point symbols e line symbols e area symbols amp e k e e e e e e e e e e a e e e e e e e e e e e g e e e i c e e e e e e e e e e e amp e amp e amp amp amp Sb bdLL VLVL V VVL VVGVLUVUVU VUV V VVVUVGGLUOGGVGULGV ULUVVGLGVLGGCGGGVGVGOGOGG GGG POINT SYMBOLS Point symbols are used to represent circles squares and crosses are exal features like traffic lights and telepho On topographic maps mountain peak point symbols while on thematic ma qualitative data is depicted by point lt may be used to represent minerals settlements of varying sizes on a po Figure 4 1 gives examples of some p LINE SYMBOLS Lines are used on maps to show line boundaries and other features which many different forms they may vary dots or dashes or be a combi
27. acent to the north point on about 10 seconds to allow the dial rth s magnetic pole then open the lid e direction of north on the compass compass north point in the same ction and re adjust the map if mpasses can be purchased refer to uide DOPAPAPPPAPPPPPPP PPP ODO GEESE ELEEECEEEC CECE CECCEEEEEEEEEEECEKRKHEEKEKYEYEE e e e e gt t e e e e e e e e e e e e e e 11 SECTION 4 Map Reference Systems Most maps have some form of reference system to help you locate or refer to places and other features on maps MAP GRIDS A grid divides the map into columns and rows so that you can search it in a logical way to find a point or area on the map Alphanumeric Grids Tactual and low vision maps usually have a simple grid of letters and numbers to indicate a small area of the map in which a feature can be found This grid is generally shown by ticks around the edge of the map dividing the map into columns which are lettered and run down the page and rows which are numbered and run across the page Letters and numbers start from the top left hand corner of the grid Figure 3 1 provides a simple alphanumeric grid with several shapes located within it To establish where the triangle is located trace up or down the column and find the corresponding letter and then across the row and find the corresponding number The triangle is in column C and row 2 Therefore the values which specify its loc
28. allel to the feature regardless of direction If a feature such as a street runs directly N S the name will be positioned so that you read from the bottom Figure 6 2 gives examples of name placement on line features DARDORODDODODODODODODONODONOOOAAPAPPOPAAPAPMPMPAOBOMNNNNNNDE STCHECEEEEEOEEOOEOEOUEOEEOHHOH HE HOKE KKH CCo ov Cvvvvvvu Figure 6 1 Point features First Preference ccccccesccsccccsscccccccceces Second pref renCce 00000000000000000000000 Third Preference ssssntssssvennnn n nsniannnnnnnnnna Fourth preference o0cc00o0000000000000000 Figure 6 2 Line features Figure 6 3 Area features Figure 6 4 Names cutting coastlines nd low vision maps is sometimes as braille and bold type take up the cartographer strives to ition of a feature and its name 2 placement and the means used in map reading ose to the feature as possible The t feature names depending on the ilable is t for point features ads and streams are positioned so ure On conventional maps and low be curved Braille however does e features on tactual maps are lf a feature such as a street runs that you read from the bottom t on line features 8 DHPOPAHANANODOHAHONHNHNEHE e e e e e e E e gt e S c e e e e e s e e e e e e e a 7 VG G L V V
29. amples of You will find that most of the maps ruler will help you to use a bar scal points Place the end of the ruler or mark the position of the second poir finger on the ruler bring the ruler to map is that it enables the reader s However maps are necessarily st state the ratio between und to enable accurate n as the map scale of as being the ratio between a istance between the same two gt map always expressed as one oer understanding of scale Map distances between objects on the u to appreciate the relative position icture of a mapped area It is this o move with confidence from one ways ds and numbers For example 1 found 1 centimetre to 100 1e map represents 100 kilometres ments CHEOTEE OOOO CEOUUUU UC UOOUOECKEOEOEKEOKEOKOEKOEKUHOEUUEE G G E e e e e e e e e e e e e el e e e e e e e e c s amp 6 e e e e c e M e e e GRAPHIC OR BAR SCALE This is a line or parallel lines placed on a map usually near the margin to enable distances between points on the map to be measured directly in the ground distances they represent Such scales are subdivided into convenient units of measurement such as 10s or 100s of metres or kilometres The left hand end of the scale may be subdivided further so that distances can be measured more precisely Figure 1 2 includes some different kinds of bar scales Not
30. and rugged mountain ran resources For example dots showing Physical resources such as geology s much less affected in this way Such of an area or country will greatly help its socio economic resources Scale 1 20 000 000 0 500 1000 2000 Kilometres As you will remember from Section 6 value on a map Figure 14 includes t elevation height in metres whereas ly both of these maps is represented by Legend Coastlines cis ksa ban 0002004022200220 r Sane eewoess A Uplands ru adaa eors a PR 0 aa EEES Ei 3 Desert land siiasnaanaisnnnnnannsnnnnannnnnnnnnnannnnnnnnnnnannnn CZ ADARAANANRAANAANARANANAANAANDANDA IVVGVGVVV V VVVVVVVVVVVUL VVVVV VOVVOVOGVVOGVVVVVVVOGVVVV VUGOG 2 tE 13 AUSTRALIA UPLANDS AND DESERTS gg BDDNPDONDDDODDIUDDDIDDIDIDDDBODDNABBDBBNBBBAEPAONPPPErTrAONrDODDDIDDA BVVVGVBVGVVVVGBGGVQG U VGVGGGVGGUGGLVVLLGLLVLLLLLGVVVVBVVVUYK GECEEEG 49 By now you should have an overall idea of the distribution of upland and desert areas in Australia so try to answer the following questions by referring to Figure 13 j 1 How far do the eastern uplands extend 2 Roughly what proportion of Australia is desert The answers can be found at the end of this section When reading thematic maps the relationships between data are often significant for instance a country s economic and social resources are to a large extent dictated by its geography In Australia for
31. ast of the Australian mainland Trace the SE coast N and locate Port Jackson 3 Follow the coast northwards and locate Fraser Island 4 off the Queensland coast roo es Scale 1 22 000 000 0 500 1000 A B C Legend Coastline anses kasus cerei aes esea nS State border gt sissvcacvseies odece ceases seevesseses g Capital city 22aaisssstv nsnssssnnnnnnnnnnnnnnsn See text for list of abbreviations FIGURE 11 AUSTRALIA GENERAL REFERENCE 6 e e B 0 _e o dLuvLVUU VVVVVVVVVVUVVUVVVUVVVVLV LULLLVLOLLLLVLLLOGU eeeees DAIBVIOAIDORDOODODOOONOHOODOOAPDRRPPPPRDPPPP PPPPDIONNDN Step 6 Continue to follow the coas northerly point of the Austr SW then NW and N aroun Peninsula 7 Follow the c Territory coast and then ge the coast of Western Austr Leeuwin 11 Now follow the coast E to to the indentations of Spen SE then locate Port Phillip continue back to Cape Hov point is now close by to tt Beginning where any State border and coastline of eac the following abbreviation fc Q Queensland NSW New South Wales V Victoria T Tasmania the T fo connected to the isl SA South Australia WA Western Australia NT Northern Territory ACT Australian Capital Te abbreviation placed i leadline URE 11 AUSTRALIA GENERAL REFERENCE 43 Continue to follow the coast N to the tip of Cape York 5 the most northerly poin
32. ation known as the coordinates are C2 Remember when working with alphanumeric grids the letter representing the column should always be stated before the number representing the row It may not always be easy for you to trace the columns and rows accurately with your fingers and in these cases a ruler held in one direction will help Now see if you can find the coordinates of the remaining shapes a circle and a cross The answers are at the end of this section y o o x v o LO k D 5 e LII u T u o o S o LO 2 S W D o 3 n S 3 5 yg as o lt S m a Le l o N ST PAQABOOMMOOHDHDDOAODDODDDHBHODOTHODNDNNAOANANANHNNNHHNHNDNHHNDNNDNGS LBLLLVVVVVOUOVVVVVVVVVVLVLLV GVVDVVVLVLVVVLVLVVLVL VLVLV L VUVL VL UVUV L UV VLVUVUV VGUGUG MAP REFERENCE SYSTEMS FIGURE 3 Alphanumeric grid Figure 3 1 FIGURE 3 MAP REFERENCE SYSTEMS D J V L G O U GOU du dd de e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e lt t e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e amp amp FIGURE 3 MAP REFERENCE SYSTEMS Figure 3 2 NP EQ EQ SP Figure 3 3 Latitude and longitude 5 E 5 30 E 6 E 6 30 E 42 30 S 43 S 59E 5930 E 6 E 6 30 E 42 30 S
33. cross the map The width of n Another less systematic form of es like the coastline rivers roads ST G D G D D D UU ULULE EE VTIOTTTTRVTTVrrrrQrrnrrrrnrn hk ra ra es PIPIPAMAAAMOMOOMONHOHHMONAAMRPPP ODDO ODD PMMA Anannnn E 31 You may find it necessary to repeat the scan several times before you are able to gain a mental picture of the whole map MARGINAL INFORMATION The first pieces of map information which should be read are usually found in the map margin You will of course have already located them during the preliminary scan They are e map title e map scale e map legend and should be read in this sequence Map Title A map title is a concise statement about the intended purpose of the map It often consists of two parts e A primary title that identifies the mapped area e A secondary title that states the contents of the map For example a map titled Sydney Local Government Areas tells you that the map covers the whole of metropolitan Sydney with the main feature mapped being local government areas boundaries and names Similarly a map titled Civic Centre Sheet 1 of 3 Sheets tells you that three maps are needed to cover the whole of Civic Centre Other titles like Australia Population Density are more self explanatory and give specific information 32 Map Scale As you already know map scale is the ratio between a distance on the map a
34. degrees E and W of HDDODODDADAONADAAAPAPADAABDAAADDANNNHHNHEHHEH E e S e e e e e e e e e e e D V VVVDYVVVVVVVVLVVVUVUULVVL VVVV GGBBBBLGBGBBLVGBVBVBBBVUVLUV LELUEEEG 1098 20 S 30 S 40 S FIGURE 12 AUSTRALIA LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE 120 E 130 E 140 E 150 E ete 2 e gt e i 500 1000 2000 Kilometres Lie 110 E 120 E 130 E 140 E 150 E Legend Coastline cccccscscccvecccccccces PPN State names and capital cities abbreviated State border 0 0 000000000 0 umm o Capital city 46 The same base data is shown on Figure 12 as on Figure 11 but a graticule lines of latitude and longitude at 5 degree intervals has been added Note that only every second graticule line has been labelled You can now work out that Australia extends in a N S direction from approximately 10 degrees S to 43 degrees S latitude and in an E W direction from 153 degrees E to 113 degrees E longitude Now using your knowledge of the location of the capital cities which you acquired from the previous exercise find the latitude and longitude of each of the capital cities Here is an example Perth 32 degrees S latitude 116 degrees E longitude The answers can be found at the end of this section READING THEMATIC MAPS Now that you are familiar with the shape of Australia s coastline its State and Territory border
35. e 2 1 illustrates the eight points of the compass It is standard practice to have north pointing towards the top of a map South is therefore towards the bottom east towards the right and west towards the left However on rare occasions there may be a need to break this convention In such cases the direction of north is usually indicated by an arrow called a north point or sometimes on tactual maps by a north line at the top of the map sheet Figure 2 2 gives two commonly used kinds of north points It is very important to remember to check the direction indicator when using maps Where direction is not marked on the map you may safely assume that north is at the top of the page ORIENTING A MAP Directions between features on a map are the same as the directions between the same features on the ground only when the map is correctly oriented In order to orient a map it must be turned so that north on the map points in its correct direction If you already know the true direction of a linear feature such as a street you can stand in the street and turn the map until the street on the map points in the same direction The map is then said to be oriented SV GVVVVVVV VUV VVUVVVVVV VVL UGUVGVD GDGVLGE VGVLGLGOGVGLGVGGVGOVUO CEC BABRDDDORDHDOOOHODODODODODONDDIADPPRPPPPPPPPPIEPPPRPAPMPPNNNNOOE desea Loewen remeron ieee ie ses sli i mia Figure 2 1 Cardinal and intercardinal points North North west N
36. e dimensional reprensentation of a smal hill with a valley on the upper side Figure 5 2 Same hill depicted by layers of equal height Figure 5 3 Edges of layers replaced by contour lines Figure 5 4 Hill depicted in two dimensions using contour es that join points of equal value ove sea level ocean depths have special names when they ent real objects isolines are an Isoline maps can be divided into pleth maps Isometric maps such igh points of equal value Isopleth f lines connecting areas with equal areas such as towns or census gt of isoline Contour maps show the Mich join points that are the same each contour is usually written on n each of the lines the contour map legend lepict the land surface VULGLLLUVLUVLULLUULLULUGLU VV UVGL UGULUGGGGULGGVGVGVUUVV VGBGOVOGGUE EE EEC PPANONDODMOMOHOHONODOHONOMMPAPPP MPAPPOD PD ODOMODNNNNTNNG FIGURE 5 CONTOURS Figure 5 1 Three dimensional reprensentation of a small hill with a valley on the upper side Figure 5 2 Same hill depicted by layers of equal height Figure 5 3 Edges of layers replaced by contour lines Figure 5 4 Hill depicted in two dimensions using contours 22 Figure 5 1 is a three dimensional length width and height drawing of a hill The highest point is towards the right hand or eastern side of the hill and the slope is steeper here than on the left hand or western
37. e same section of a town map at two different scales You will notice that the less important streets and street names have been omitted at the smaller scale and that the railway station symbol has been simplified Figure 7 2 depicts a series of lakes at two different scales On the smaller scale map the two largest lakes are unaltered but the smallest lakes have been omitted and the small lakes close together have been combined into one However the three lakes remaining at the small scale still indicate that more than one lake in fact exists Also the overall shape of the series of lakes has been preserved Figure 7 3 illustrates how toilets on maps at two different scales may be depicted The large scale map shows the layout of the toilets with their entrance on Main Street and the individual cubicles At the small scale a single symbol is used to show the location of a toilet facility in relation to the street Figure 7 4 depicts how a stream pattern has been simplified by omitting the smaller and less important streams shown at the larger scale PAPRDODDARODDDODDONODODODODAOPP PPP PPPPPPOPPPRPPPPPAPONNONND SHEKTEEECKCUUEECUEUUUUUEOECCOUYE Figure 7 1 Town Map large scale ssccccsnscccceees High Street Main Street Figure 7 2 Lakes large scale snssssscsonnsnsnnsnnsnnsnnnn Figure 7 3 Toilets large scale 00000000000000000000 0 M Figure 7 4 1 Rivers large scal
38. e that the third bar scale is divided into major units only with every second unit infilled for easy recognition REPRESENTATIVE FRACTION Map scale is commonly expressed as a representative fraction RF for short in which map distances are expressed as ratios of real distances for example 1 10 000 This means that 1 mm or 1 cm on the map represents 10 000 mm or 10 000 cm respectively on the earth s surface Stated another way a map drawn 1000 times smaller than that part of the earth s surface it represents would have an RF scale of 1 1000 Figure 1 3 gives some examples of RF scales You will find that most of the maps you wish to use will have bar scales A ruler will help you to use a bar scale to measure the distance between two points Place the end of the ruler on the first point and with one of your fingers mark the position of the second point on the ruler Then without moving the finger on the ruler bring the ruler to the bar scale and read off the distance FIGURE 1 MAP SCALE Figure 1 1 Scale statement 1 centimetre equals 1250 metres One centimetre to twelve hundred and fifty metres 1 centimetre equals 25 kilometres 1 centimetre to 300 kilometres Figure 1 2 Graphic or bar scale 2500 0 2500 5000 7500 10000 Metres iis Vy y 50 0 50 100 150 200 Kilometres Cos V S vu 0 600 1200 1800 2400 3000 Kilometres Figure 1 3 Representative fraction R F 1 1250 1 unit on the map represents
39. er sections to use map scales measure distances read map coordinates and interpret map data READING A TOWN MAP Complete a preliminary scan of the town map at Figure 8 Repeat the scan until you have gained a general idea of the layout of the map Next the marginal information should be studied Firstly read the map title to find the purpose of the map and the area it covers Note that this map is one of three which make up a series The scale information is located on the top left of the sheet a representative fraction RF and then a graphic scale The RF tells us that 1 unit on the map represents 1250 units on the ground The line scale is divided into 25 metre intervals labelled every 50 metres To the left of 0 the scale is divided into 5 metre intervals to allow more accurate measurement This is a large scale map compared to the other maps in this User Guide To the lower right of the map is a note indicating that the legend for this map is located on a separate page at Figure 9 To the left is a list of the features with their alphanumeric references which are located on the map It is also worth noting that to the top right of the map is a north point indicating that north is to the top of the page SLUL GLULLVLGULULULULULV LVVGOVVGVGVLUVVOVLGLKGLGGGGGGKGGGBGBYV GVBG VGGGGUV VGCGCGC DRPPMPPOP PPR ORPOREPRPHRNNNDDH LDADDIIIDRDIADAONRDNDDN99H999NA D Map 2 of 3 sheets Scale 1 1250 Smit
40. g the E coast of the continent The eastern uplands which include the Great Dividing Range extend from Cape York Peninsula in N Q to central V Smaller upland areas occur in near coastal areas in the SW and NW of WA and in the NT in central Australia N of Adelaide in SA and in central T A large part of Australia including much of WA NT and SA and some of Q and NSW is arid land The central core of this area is mainly very arid sandy desert which is largely unused and uninhabited The remainder comprising mainly a very thin strip along the E coast and a band surroundig the arid land in the N E SE and SW the areas without any patterns on Figure 13 is characterised by gentle slopes and reasonable rainfall making it generally more suitable for agriculture and settlement In fact nearly 97 per cent of Australia s population lives in this area By now you should have an overall ic areas in Australia so try to answer th 13 1 How far do the eastern uplands ey 2 Roughly what proportion of Australi The answers can be found at the enc When reading thematic maps the rela for instance a country s economic anc dictated by its geography In Australia much economic or social data depicte areas In the E of the continent and i hand terrain climate and soils combi settlement and rural development It i people transport agriculture manufac found BBBBBBBPDDBBDBBDBDBBBDBBBVDVBODDDDYDNA Ba Large lakes
41. h Road Golf course A B List of features 1 Townhall C1 2 Railway station E2 3 Bus terminal B3 yned to provide you with They will enable you to apply the to use map scales measure map data at Figure 8 Repeat the scan until of the map ed Firstly read the map title to overs Note that this map is one t of the sheet a representative F tells us that 1 unit on the map scale is divided into 25 metre of 0 the scale is divided into 5 ement This is a large scale map le ting that the legend for this map the left is a list of the features located on the map It is also is a north point indicating that 7 AHRONNN OHH EE n PBPODODOBDODBDDODDODDODODDODDODDDOOADBBABDOBBPDYNBDNN NN dSVBUVLBBVGVKVLULGYU VLV VGV G U GUU UGV YLLLVLVLBVBLBLBBBBBLVVV VV VLVUV VLUUOGEEEEG FIGURE 8 URBANVILLE TOWN CENTRE Map 2 of 3 sheets Scale 1 1250 25 0 50 100 Metres Lill ll S Smith Road Joins map 3 A B C D E List of features 1 Townhall C1 Refer to the following page for map legend 2 Railway station E2 3 Bus terminal B3 Street defined by buildings Street not defined by buildings Building or city block identification number FT F SSP a Water area with shoreline sea Open area car park golf course labelied as appropriate 000ccc0000000000000000000 Railway ccccocccccocccnoccsee Railway
42. her for readers needing bold print and for parents and teachers assisting braille readers Low vision maps are made for readers with varying degrees of seeing difficulty Large bold type which occupies about the same space on maps as braille is used In addition the degree of generalisation and simplification of map detail necessary for efficient map reading by users with severe visual impairment is about the same as for tactual map reading Therefore the descriptive text and map reading exercises in the low vision version of this User Guide are essentially the same as in the braille version viii You should not expect instant success with reading maps However this User Guide will help you to understand maps better and with practice develop the skills necessary to make map reading an enjoyable and valuable experience LS LSL GLGGLULULVLBVVLVLVVV VVUVUGVVVVUVVVGBDGGGGGVLVGLLLOLHLVGVLVLVL VO V VOEGE c e e e e e e e e C t t t t t t t e c e e SE e e es e amp SECTION 1 Introducing Maps Maps have been in use since ancie relative positions of features on the different kinds of maps providing in include e topographic maps which represei relief and natural and man made e bathymetric maps which show se e cadastral maps which
43. instance you are unlikely to find very much economic or social data depicted in the vast central and western desert areas In the E of the continent and in the SW corner of WA on the other hand terrain climate and soils combine to create conditions conducive to settlement and rural development It is in these areas that concentrations of people transport agriculture manufacturing and other such resources are to be found Large lakes and rugged mountain ranges also affect the distribution of resources For example dots showing population will not appear in water areas Physical resources such as geology soils landforms and climate however are much less affected in this way Such basic knowledge of the physical geography of an area or country will greatly help you in understanding the distribution of its socio economic resources As you will remember from Section 6 isolines are lines that join places of equal value on a map Figure 14 includes two isoline maps of Australia Map 1 depicts elevation height in metres whereas Map 2 depicts population density Data on both of these maps is represented by distinctive patterns bounded by isolines FIGURE 14 a cee MAP1 _ AUSTRALIA ELEVATION nn Scale 1 30 000 000 0 1000 2000 Kilometres L Vad Height in metres Less than 300 sos 300 600 aaassssscceassiri Greater than 600 MAP 2 AUSTRALIA POPULATION DENSITY V VGGVV GG
44. ion whereas on a smaller sc most important categories might be ir categories may be combined into two The size of features is also an impor retained whereas smaller features are are wherever possible placed in the name is too large to fit wholly yartly within the bounded area and me to extend beyond it acement for area features ers will always try to avoid breaking of name placement will dictate that gt broken For example the name of gt that it cuts the coast or placed eatures on the land In these cases low the names to be easily read uations os will sometimes mean that feature f the map Letters and or numbers iccompanying list providing the full is used it will be indicated in the tion on the map any problems associated with the yn maps Don t be surprised if you DODADADDODDDAODDDDODDODDDDODO DPNNPMPOOOO DO NOANAANNODODO DO AEE S VVVVVVVVVVVVVVUV VVVL VUVUVULLVUVVLVVLVGBGBLGGLGBLVULKVUVLVVKKULUV GGEGSGG 27 SECTION 8 Generalisation of Map Detail Generally the amount of detail which can be included on a map is determined by the map scale only on very large scale plans is it possible to include every feature The amount of detail which can be depicted decreases rapidly as the map scale becomes smaller Maps which contain too much information become cluttered and difficult to read and are of little use The cartographer must therefore use a process of simplification and selection
45. its area lying less than 300 metres above sea level Nethertheless two major elevated areas of over 300 metres do stand out on the map The first along the eastern coast includes the Great Dividing Range The second covering a large part of WA and extending into the NT and SA is a broad elevated block linking the upland areas of the Pilbara the Kimberleys and central Australia Almost all of the limited areas of over 600 metres occur as isolated patches within the much larger areas of over 300 metres and include Australia s major mountain ranges Population Density Australia with its dry forbidding interior which severely restricts human occupation is the world s most sparsely settled continent after Antarctica Only the SW the SE and the eastern coastal strip have at least a moderate population density These areas correspond to the major farming zones where rural and urban population concentrations are associated with agricultural development The limited areas with a dense population are confined mainly to around the capital cities and along the eastern coast 52 Having now become familiar with Australia s elevation and population density here are two exercises for you to complete 1 How many separate areas of over 600 metres are depicted on the elevation DN DD dvVVV VVVBVGVVVVVV VVVGVVVVUVVVLVULVVVLVVLVVVVVVVLVUVVLVLV VV VVVVUVV TTETETETC Figure 12 Australia Latitude and Lc Canberra
46. levation height in metres and population density on small scale maps of Australia However it is advisable that you wait until you have read the following sections before attempting to read these maps 24 SECTION 7 Naming Features on a Map The placement of feature names on tactual and low vision maps is sometimes quite difficult for the cartographer particularly as braille and bold type take up large amounts of space Despite this difficulty the cartographer strives to maintain a clear relationship between the position of a feature and its name Hence an understanding of cartographic name placement and the means used to overcome problems of space will help you in map reading POINT FEATURES The names of point features are placed as close to the feature as possible The preferred sequence for the positioning of point feature names depending on the proximity of other features and the space available is 1 Horizontal and immediately to the right 2 Horizontal and immediately to the left 3 Horizontally above 4 Horizontally below Figure 6 1 gives examples of name placement for point features LINE FEATURES The names of continuous features such as roads and streams are positioned so that they follow the general shape of the feature On conventional maps and low vision maps this often means that names will be curved Braille however does not lend itself to curving so the names of line features on tactual maps are par
47. making VR tactual and low vision maps User experience can contribute enormously to j Victoria making maps more effective and map producers welcome comments If you e Association for the Blind encounter map reading difficulties or have suggestions which may improve a 7 Mair Street map or maps you should contact the relevant map production agency The Brighton Beach Vic 3188 Telephone 03 598 8555 Royal Victorian Institute for the B 507 St Kilda Road Melbourne Vic 3004 Telephone 03 51 1381 mapping organisations listed in Annex 2 will welcome such user feedback as a s way in which cartographers can improve their product Map reading is an acquired skill and if you are blind or visually impaired you face difficulties which will require patience and concentration to overcome Hopefully this book will encourage you to become an effective map reader and thus increase your mobility and give you access to a new source of knowledge The ability to read maps can lead to many enjoyable experiences make you more independent and open up ways to a better understanding of the world in which we live South Australia Blind Welfare Association 84 Archer Street North Adelaide S A 5006 Map users in States other than those agency VVGVVLVVVV VVVVVV VVVVVWVVVVVVVVVVVVKVVVVVVVLVVVLVLVVVUVU L S APRPPPPRPPPRPPPRDD9O9R9D99909999N99D a 55 Annex 1 Distributors of tactual aids for map reading r Commu
48. may notice other features or phenomena which if you make a note of them will assist you to check your progress on the return journey READING GENERAL REFERENCE AND THEMATIC MAPS When making thematic maps cartographers position and depict thematic data on a base map which consists of selected topographic detail A small scale base map of Australia for instance may include the coastline State boundaries major rivers capital cities and perhaps some other populated places and selected roads and railways These base maps when used as maps in their own right as in Figures 11 and 12 serve as general reference maps READING BASE GENERAL REFERENCE MAPS The map Australia General Reference Figure 11 will help you to become familiar with the shape of Australia and its States and the locations of its capital cities You will learn that each State has a number of distinctive features which once you are familiar with them will enable you to easily recognise which part of Australia you are studying For example N Queensland can be 2IPPVAD PPAPMMOOOONOHONODDPPRPPPPPPPPPPPPDPPPPINNNNNNS GBVVGGVVVVLL VVOGVUVVUVUVUVU VV VVV V V VVVGVVGVGGVVVVVOGOGGOVV VGGUGGEG recognised by the shape of Cape Y Port Phillip Bay and the distinctive boundary and SE South Australia b St Vincent Tactual and low vision map users w base or general reference map will locational information when they pro
49. nation Figure 4 2 illustrates a variety of line In cases where linear features cross line symbols to be broken for clarity a road crosses it AREA SYMBOLS Area symbols are used to depict feat mapped by point symbols Lakes and plantations and reserves are example features may or may not be depicted are usually infilled with distinctive pa areas mapped te data to the map user Maps as ety of symbols to represent this S you to distinguish one map symbol sed to represent a building while a degree of importance of a feature 1 city and a small circle may 1g colours can be used on low nt urban land green non urban actual maps can only be read by is texture is generated by the use ised area could represent urban nd and small dots represent water ve been found to be equally DES S AQAPVAMOPOP OMA ODD ONDODHD DOD DOP PDD P PP PPPPO DOOD OOO NN ONOM ECM ET LEGLULUVLUGULUVGVUVUVUGGCO UCOOOOUVUVOGGECKGEGSGYKGCUUKUUGUGUU U UODOOGECEECEEEG 17 POINT SYMBOLS Point symbols are used to represent features or data at specific locations Dots circles squares and crosses are examples of point symbols On town maps features like traffic lights and telephone boxes are represented by point symbols On topographic maps mountain peaks buildings and mines are represented by point symbols while on thematic maps a wide range of both quantitative and qualitative data is depicted by point symbols For example a varie
50. nd longitude lines converging through the North Pole NP and the South Pole SP E amp amp amp e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e ei e Ci e e gt e c e e Se S c e e Qi e e e w amp a amp amp SETEGUUEUUEUEE CEO UOC CCO CCC EEE RE KECHEEHOOEOEOOEOUHEHEEKGE Figure 3 3 illustrates a small sectic 30 minute intervals The inner squ intervals The dot near the middle minutes S latitude and 5 degrees coordinates for the cross and the ANSWERS TO EXERCISES IN SE Figure 3 1 Alphanumeric Grid Circle A2 Cross E1 Figure 3 3 Latitude and Longitude Cross 42 degrees 36 minutes S Square 42 degrees 54 minutes S gt l N S and E W lines spaced at from these grid lines in metres the northings When should always be read first most universal system of map circle the earth in an E W ngitude called meridians circle h the North and South Poles s are often curved but cross each n the same way as a map grid to ule values in degrees minutes nates or simply geographicals or s minutes and seconds latitude longitude up to 180 degrees E s there are 60 minutes in a of referencing can accurately cle with latitude lines parallel to g through the North Pole NP A aii Gai is igi kak AHOOOOOOOES e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e amp e
51. nd the corresponding distance between the same two points on the ground Section 2 explains map scale in some detail The scale is included in the marginal information on the face of the map except where the map is one of a series in which case the scale will often be shown on a separate legend sheet see below under Map Legend Map Legend As we discussed previously a map legend consists of a list of the symbols used on a map together with simple statements explaining what each symbol represents On most maps like those found in thematic atlases and topographic map series a separate legend will appear on the face of each map However where a braille map is one of a series using a standard set of symbols a separate single legend sheet is likely to be provided for all maps in the series Locating the legend and familiarisation with the symbols used on the map are essential before you can successfully read the map content Other Marginal Information Amongst the marginal information you may also find additional notes relating to map content To conserve space for example braille or bold print feature names may be replaced on the map with letters or numbers and in such cases a list which identifies the abbreviations will appear in the margin or on a separate sheet DPPAIPIADDINDIDDDDDONODDODODDPRRPAPRPAP APPR PRP RPRPRPPRONONNNE OOOO OOREOREUYEOHECEES eee G L L O bU UU EU U UUU
52. nication joyment which can be gained from ity to select the right reading starting point and a general guide it which methods best suit your u will develop even greater Braille compasses scales etc can be purchased from the following organisations New South Wales Royal Blind Society of New South Wales 4 Mitchell Street Enfield N S W 2136 Telephone 02 747 6622 Victoria Association for the Blind 7 Mair Street Brighton Beach Vic 3188 Telephone 03 598 8555 Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind 507 St Kilda Road Melbourne Vic 3004 Telephone 03 51 1381 South Australia SOOO OT VO HOH UO vvv OOOOH OECHHG FOF H SOSH HOHHHHGHHEEEEEH to be discovered about tactual and have much to learn about making gt can contribute enormously to ers welcome comments If you iggestions which may improve a at map production agency The welcome such user feedback as a r product are blind or visually impaired you nd concentration to overcome come an effective map reader and ess to a new source of knowledge snjoyable experiences make you etter understanding of the world in Blind Welfare Association 84 Archer Street North Adelaide S A 5006 Map users in States other than those listed above should contact their local agency BUEMPARAORMANMAMOMOMVODDMBDDDODODOHDAAAASAASAASARPAAPPARR MPM ROOM NNHDNS 56 Annex 2 Official mapping organisations to which enquiries can be directed
53. ns Place 288 Edward Street Brisbane Qld 4000 Telephone 07 224 2111 South Australia Surveyor General Department of Lands GPO Box 1047 Adelaide S A 5001 Telephone 08 227 2614 Tasmania Director of Mapping Department of Lands GPO Box 44A Hobart Tas 7001 Telephone 002 30 6050 Victoria Surveyor General Department of Property and Services 2 Treasury Place Melbourne Vic 3002 Telephone 03 651 2912 58 Western Australia Surveyor General Department of Lands and Survey Cathedral Avenue Perth W A 6000 Telephone 09 323 1332 AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF CARTOGRAPHERS Australian Capital Territory Division PO Box 1292 Canberra A C T 2601 New South Wales Division GPO Box 4365 Sydney N S W 2001 Northern Territory Division GPO Box 3693 Darwin N T 5794 Queensland Division GPO Box 1817 Brisbane Qld 4001 South Australian Division GPO Box 1922 Adelaide S A 5001 Tasmanian Division GPO Box 1038 Hobart Tas 7001 r rr 1 2 PRR ROMPARONAs VVVUVVVVV UVVVVVVUVUVVVVUV VVVVVVVBLLVLULV V V J dV lLVVUVUVUVUUGUEGG AVVDVBVVBDDVVDVODOANAODODAODONABDBVBVBAVFVBB Victorian Division GPO Box 1155K Melbourne Vic 3001 Western Australian Division GPO Box H592 Perth W A 6001 VK c lt 59 Te Victorian Division GPO Box 1155K Melbourne Vic 3001 Western Australian Division GPO Box H592 Perth W A 6001
54. ns on Figure 13 is characterise making it generally more suitable for 97 per cent of Australia s population as on Figure 11 but a graticule intervals has been added Note that abelled You can now work out that proximately 10 degrees S to 43 from 153 degrees E to 113 degrees f the capital cities which you 2 latitude and longitude of each of longitude is section Australia s coastline its State and tal cities you can use this igure 13 Australia Uplands and in reading thematic maps and at the sic physical geography of Australia he following steps entire map area noting that ted by distinctive patterns on you become familiar with the k e H e e e i e e e e e e e e e e e e e amp z x t z e e e e es e e amp DVGVGVVVVVLVVGVLVLGVV GYVVGGV VYVYGLVVVBLLLGBLLBLLLVLVBVOVOLOGGUOGGEGGG 47 Step 5 Take each category in turn from the legend and locate its distribution on the map noting its position in relation to the coastline and the other categories of data It will help braille readers to recognise patterns if one hand is used to feel sample patterns in the legend while the other is used to identify patterns on the map Did you notice that much of Australia consists of desert or other arid land and that there is a large continuous strip of uplands alon
55. nts It allows you to decode th Most maps have their own legend wt However sometimes when there are a features and belonging to a series th use with all of them Distinguished by orientation _ __ A V E x HSL GVUVVVV VVVVV VV WVVVVVULVV VVUVVGVLVOLVUVGVOLGGOOVOVGGOVGVGGGOGGO OGG Figure 4 2 Line symbols S HTS ee SX 5 E 2 a E E23 es E o e e Figure 4 3 Area symbols DBP PARARABAAAORODODOHDDODOGOGHOOBRRP PRPRPPPP OPPO RPRPPRPOPANNANHDD FIGURE 4 MAPSYMBOLS ot A 2378 AV aitexX WL kY T 9 8 8 DARPDNNNPNONDONDNNNN9NRNTNONONO PPPPPPOPPPOMPA OOOO NOHO M N 8000VVVVVVVVVVVVVUVVVVVVV VVVVGGVGULLGKUVUVUVVUV VGVUV V E BEEL 19 Figure 4 3 provides examples of area symbols MAP LEGEND The map legend is the key to understanding what the various symbols on a map actually represent A map legend therefore consists of a list of the symbols used on a map together with simple statements explaining what each symbol represents It allows you to decode the map Most maps have their own legend which appears on the face of the map However sometimes when there are a number of maps showing the same features and belonging to a series there will be a separate standard legend for use with all of them 20 SECTION 6 Contours Contours or more correctly isolines are lines that join points of equal value on
56. nts towards the earth s magnetic pole This is called magnetic north A map can be oriented quickly by placing a compass on it and rotating the map until map north and the needle of the compass are pointing in the same direction Refer to Figure 2 3 where a compass has been placed adjacent to the map s north point to allow alignment The compass can of course be placed anywhere on the map alignment of map north and compass north is what is important Tactual braille compasses are available and are very useful to both the visually impaired and the blind On the compass dial north is usually indicated by a raised arrow the dial can be locked in position for tactual reading One well known type of braille compass uses the lid movement to lock the dial in position To orient a map using this type of compass place the map and compass on a level surface with the compass adjacent to the north point on the map Leave the compass lid closed for about 10 seconds to allow the dial to float freely and to be attracted by the earth s magnetic pole then open the lid to lock the dial in position Now observe the direction of north on the compass and turn the map until both map north and compass north point in the same direction Re check compass north by repeating the action and re adjust the map if necessary For the locations of places where tactual compasses can be purchased refer to Annex 1 located at the back of this User Guide
57. orth east West East South west South east South Figure 2 3 Orienting a map Urbanville Town Centre Map 2 of 3 sheets Scale 1 1250 25 0 25 50 75 100 N tion world and is usually described in f the compass north N south ints divide the map into four half by the intercardinal ween north and east north west igure 2 1 illustrates the eight points towards the top of a map South is e right and west towards the left reed to break this convention In ndicated by an arrow called a north rth line at the top of the map sheet f north points gt direction indicator when using map you may safely assume that 2 same as the directions between the map is correctly oriented In hat north on the map points in its lear feature such as a street you il the street on the map points in be oriented DONO DOODODODOOOIPPIPP PP IPI AP IDI AP IDDIN ODDO OO4 GCOUUVGLGVVOVOULOvIOVVCOVOVCOCCOHOOLCCOHULUUEOGOGOW WWW UU FIGURE 2 MAP DIRECTION AND ORIENTATION Figure 2 2 North points Figure 2 1 Cardinal and intercardinal points North North west North east West East South west South east South Figure 2 3 Orienting a map Urbanville Town Centre Map 2 of 3 sheets Scale 1 1250 25 0 25 50 75 100 Metres Blue Lake 10 More often however it is necessary to use a magnetic compass which works on the principle that a pivoting magnetised needle always poi
58. oup on Tactual Mapping since its inception in 1981 he has been heavily involved in developing and promoting tactual and low vision mapping both in Australia and internationally i Largely through the dedication and enthusiasm of Mr Goodrick the acute need for tactual and low vision mapping has been officially recognised throughout Australia As a result various Commonwealth and State mapping agencies are now actively engaged in tactual and low vision mapping Con Veenstra Director CONTENTS FOREWORD PREFACE SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION ON Oo KR O MN Introducing Maps Map Scale Map Direction and Orientation Map Reference Systems Map Symbols and Legend Contours Naming Features on a Map Generalisation of Map Detail Map Reading Strategies e Scanning e Marginal Information e Map Content Map Reading Exercises e Reading a Town Map e Making a Journey Reading Base General Reference Maps e Reading Latitude and Longitude e Reading Thematic Maps vii 16 20 24 27 30 34 00000064 O V G G L G G G G B B G O Uabeo aoo ee c e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e a a e e e e 6 s A e lt e e c o c c ce amp amp SECTION 11 Annex 1 Annex 2
59. p Australia General Reference Australia Latitude and Longitude Australia Uplands and Deserts Australia Elevation Australia Population Density MHODODODOODOODRODDOODOAOOM DODD HONNOHAHHNNNNHNTHE LU GVLVVLVVUVV VV UVVV VVUVUVGGLGGGGGVGGVVGVYVVVBBBOVGUUVOGEGEE vii PREFACE Even though maps have been in use since ancient times tactual and low vision map making is a relatively new activity and therefore few blind or visually impaired people have had the opportunity to use maps As more tactual and low vision maps and atlases have become available a demand has developed for aids which help people to use these new map products This User Guide through text and illustrations is intended to assist potential users in understanding tactual and low vision maps and to help them develop skills which are essential for map reading Although highly recommended for use by senior secondary students the User Guide will also certainly be useful for interested adults Annexures at the back of this publication list places and organisations where enquiries can be made about the availability of maps where map reading aids can be purchased and where contacts can be provided for assistance with map reading difficulties These contacts will be particularly useful for adult users who don t have access to assistance through teaching institutions The User Guide is produced in two versions one for braille readers and the ot
60. r business it may be necessary to larger scale map of just a city block wish to visit It will also usually be h get an idea of the general location of will be commencing your journey POCO A ODO OER A ERE HODER HH EE EEHSOSOSE EEE TE SON EOD CRO CD AO OAH ROOD EETEEHHHEEEH OEE HOHE HEH OSS ED OES COO OOOO OME AER EH HEE OEE ERO OH ERED ETHOS ERODE OE 0040600000006404400040640060006060000006066460600600400000000 4404040046400000 000e0000004606400000000000604600000000 a10000000606600464000006060664040064660644040600600000664060000000 0104409040000060 060000000000604000064064000000000000000 eT Ts 9 URBANVILLE TOWN CENTRE MAP LEGENDS BARPOPOPPOOMDDONDDDDDIDDOMDP OMAP MOHD AADANOONANNHNNNNNEE VVVVVVVVVVVV UVVVVVVGL VVVLV VVLVVGBL OGD VGGVLGLV VLVGBUVVL G VUE ETE 37 After your initial scan of the town map exploration of the marginal information and study of the legend you will have a general idea of the main types of features shown on the map As the street pattern is the major feature of this map familiarise yourself with individual streets by tracing each of them from end to end Are the streets in a regular pattern Does the pattern trend in a particular direction Where is the main thoroughfare Once you have a mental picture of the street pattern you can establish the location of the main features in relation to the streets Complete the following exercises using Figures 8 and
61. rate a theme for example population climate land use manufacturing industry geology etc e town maps and street directories which show roads and streets shopping centres public buildings and facilities Plans are usually large scale depictions of property boundaries development sites etc and are distinguishable from maps which usually show much larger areas You can use maps to derive information which will assist you in finding your way about cities or the countryside They provide you with pre knowledge of the layout of roads and streets and of the terrain in general Atlases which are collections usually in book form of general reference and or thematic maps covering a region country or the world are valuable sources of information on many subjects difficult to comprehend from words alone 2 Maps therefore are used as sources of information by many people Competence in map reading will make you more mobile independent and knowledgeable Maps can help you to understand more about your immediate surroundings and the world in general This User Guide aims to develop skills in the interpretation of tactual and low vision maps to the point where you can use maps to plan a journey move freely between places and as a source of information for educational and research purposes Skills which need to be developed ir e systematic scanning and perceptio e use of map scale e map and user orienta
62. s By now you should have an understanding of the basic map elements and be ready to begin map reading Maps like books should be read systematically This will take practice on your part but if you adopt the following general steps the task will be made easier 1 Undertake a preliminary scan of the whole map area 2 Locate and read the marginal information such as the title scale and legend 3 Then read the map content SCANNING It is very important that you do a preliminary scan of the entire map area before attempting to read the map content in any detail It should be done slowly and systematically so as to provide you with a complete mental picture of the general layout of the map and its contents For braille readers the most efficient method of scanning is to use both hands simultaneously to move in vertical strips down the map If you use three fingers on each hand thus giving a six finger wide perceptual window the whole map can be covered in relatively few scans The use of six fingers also helps in recognising linear features and their orientation Because you are accustomed to reading braille it may take a little while to get used to vertical scanning but with practice it will become easy For bold print readers scanning by eye is an effective means of covering the map You can scan in strips up and down or across the map The width of each scan will depend on your area of vision Another less systematic form of
63. s and the location of its capital cities you can use this knowledge to explore new types of maps Figure 13 Australia Uplands and Deserts has been included as an exercise in reading thematic maps and at the same time to learn something about the basic physical geography of Australia Let s investigate Figure 13 by undertaking the following steps Step 1 Complete a preliminary scan of the entire map area noting that information on this map is represented by distinctive patterns Step 2 Locate and read the map title Step 3 Locate and read the scale information Step 4 Locate and read the map legend so you become familiar with the symbols used on the map VUVGVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVUVUVVVVVVVVVVGVGVGVVOVVLVVBVGBVVVVUVGOECGGG PRPPPPAAPAAAAAPAADADODNDADDONDODDOMPOARAAASPSP SPAS POPRPREPPHONNDDNHSE Step 5 Take each category in turn fr the map noting its position ii categories of data It will help braille readers to recognis sample patterns in the legend while t map Did you notice that much of Australia that there is a large continuous strip continent The eastern uplands which include tt York Peninsula in N Q to central V S areas in the SW and NW of WA and Adelaide in SA and in central T A large part of Australia including mi and NSW is arid land The central cc desert which is largely unused and U The remainder comprising mainly a v band surroundig the arid land in the patter
64. show surv e aeronautical and hydrographic ch air and sea navigation e thematic maps which illustrate a use manufacturing industry geol e town maps and street directories centres public buildings and faci Plans are usually large scale depict sites etc and are distinguishable f areas You can use maps to derive inform way about cities or the countryside layout of roads and streets and of Atlases which are collections usua thematic maps covering a region c information on many subjects diffict ading maps However this User r and with practice develop the yable and valuable experience RODD IDIVDOODOODO DO ODOOSDO OOOO ODO OPRO ORO OOOO OOOO NOONE T E E LULVVLGVLUVVVVLOULV LVLVL V V GOGGLOGULVLVL GGULLGGBGGLGLLLVVVLVL VUVVUVV U EEEE SECTION 1 Introducing Maps Maps have been in use since ancient times as a means of representing the relative positions of features on the earth s surface Today there are many different kinds of maps providing information for many different purposes They include e topographic maps which represent portions of the earth s surface and show relief and natural and man made features e bathymetric maps which show seabed relief e cadastral maps which show surveyed boundaries of land parcels or properties e aeronautical and hydrographic charts which are maps designed especially for air and sea navigation e thematic maps which illust
65. stination on the map long which you will need to walk to ich you will cross and the turns you uch as bridges or railway crossings along the way tal picture of the route and only jea to carry your map and compass bus You have studied the maps of your bus stop What you do not as a consequence on which side of r compass to determine the street ler to reach your destination iding it so that the street in which point in the same direction This will make the turns you planned 2IZPAPRLRP OPP ODDO OONODODOO DO OOP PPP PPP PPP PHP HANNHHNNNeNege RVVVVVVVVVVVVVVLVVV UVUVVVUVVVVBGBBBLGBVLVLVVG VUVUVVL U V lL TEEGE O Travelling south arrow indicates direction of travel Map correctly oriented _ H FIGURE 10 ORIENTING A MAP 40 When travelling S with a properly oriented map refer to Figure 10 braille or roman lettering will appear upside down and this can sometimes be confusing However directions will be correct i e streets or features which should be to the left or to the right will indeed be that way This is the purpose of orientation Experience will develop your ability to maintain orientation of a mental image and frequent checking using the map will reinforce the correctness of orientation Bridges railway crossings or other features you identified on the map when planning your journey will enable you to verify your position as you reach them Along the way you
66. t of the Australian mainland From here the coast turns SW then NW and N around the Gulf of Carpentaria 6 to Gove Peninsula 7 Follow the coast W to Melville Island 8 off the Northern Territory coast and then generally SW to North West Cape 9 Follow the coast of Western Australia S to Shark Bay 19 and on to Cape Leeuwin 11 Now follow the coast E to the Great Australian Bight 12 and further E to the indentations of Spencer Gulf 13 and Gulf St Vincent 14 To the SE then locate Port Phillip Bay 15 on the Victorian coast and continue back to Cape Howe 2 Tasmania which was your starting point is now close by to the S Step 6 Beginning where any State border intersects with the coast trace the border and coastline of each of the States and Territories and locate the following abbreviation for each Q Queensland NSW New South Wales V Victoria T Tasmania the T for Tasmania is located to the W and connected to the island by a leadline due to lack of space SA South Australia WA Western Australia NT Northern Territory ACT Australian Capital Territory located in southern NSW but with its abbreviation placed in the sea to the SE and connected by a leadline PO VDVDVOVVOOVOUVUUUUUUUUUUUYESSEHSEESOSEOOCOHUUHOECEEES DDIIDPMOPDOPDOAONDDONDONDDNDODNODPAAPAIDPAPAAAAPOADAAAM ANH OOHHE HE 44 Step 7 Now locate the capital cities within each State and Territor
67. tion e symbol recognition and discriminat e shape outline recognition BOBDBOBPBVOPBOOOOOOOA bU Ude dddddddddddddedddd d dddd dd dadu ddd de Development of map reading skills depends largely upon the understanding of e tracing line symbols certain concepts and conventions peculiar to mapping and the development of mental and physical skills which can only be achieved with practice Hopefully the following sections will provide you with adequate explanations of cartographic concepts while the accompanying maps and illustrations will enable you to practise various aspects of map interpretation and use Some of the concepts of mapping are e A map is a bird s eye view shown on a plane i e flat surface Mapped size and distance relate to real world size and distance Mapped shape relates to real world shape Map direction relates to direction in the real world Map symbols usually represent real and tangible features on the earth s surface Lines on a map signify continuity despite changes in direction and intersection with other symbols DVIORAPOANOAAARAAAONDHONNNNOHNAA A PR P PROOD nation by many people Competence independent and knowledgeable It your immediate surroundings and io develop skills in the interpretation vhere you can use maps to plan a a source of information for argely upon the understanding of mapping and the development of achieved with practice Hopefully
68. to ensure that the map contains a maximum amount of information but at the same time remains readable This process is known as generalisation SIMPLIFICATION Cartographers commonly simplify data by smoothing outlines and making shapes less complex so that they are more easily read by aggregating data so that a number of small features are represented by a single symbol and by grouping categories of data to reduce the number of categories shown SELECTION Selection is undertaken by ranking the map data in order of importance The least important can then be omitted or amalgamated as map scale decreases For example a large scale map may show all six categories of a particular road classification whereas on a smaller scale map of the same area only the two most important categories might be included or the four most important categories may be combined into two and the lesser two categories omitted The size of features is also an important selection criteria larger features are retained whereas smaller features are omitted as map scale decreases 28 Other factors such as the large amount of space required by braille and bold type and the necessity to leave enough space between features on a map so they can be identified by touch impose severe limitations on the amount of detail which can be shown on tactual and low vision maps Figure 7 gives examples of generalisation for different map scales Figure 7 1 depicts th
69. ty of shapes may be used to represent minerals or different size circles may depict settlements of varying sizes on a population distribution map Figure 4 1 gives examples of some point symbols LINE SYMBOLS Lines are used on maps to show linear features such as roads rivers railways boundaries and other features which have continuity Line symbols can have many different forms they may vary in thickness be constructed of a series of dots or dashes or be a combination of lines and shapes Figure 4 2 illustrates a variety of line symbols In cases where linear features cross one another it is common for one of the line symbols to be broken for clarity A river for example may be broken where a road crosses it AREA SYMBOLS Area symbols are used to depict features which cover areas too large to be mapped by point symbols Lakes and other water features forests parks plantations and reserves are examples of such features The boundaries of area features may or may not be depicted by lines Nevertheless the enclosed areas are usually infilled with distinctive patterns or colours to separate the different areas mapped FIGURE 4 MAP SYMBOLS Figure 4 1 Point symbols Figure 4 3 provides examples of area Distinguished by shape mou O0 CUO 4 MAP LEGEND The map legend is the key to undersi map actually represent A map legend Distinguished by size _ _ os O used on a map together with simple lt represe
70. u will need to walk to reach your destination Trace the route again noting the streets which you will cross and the turns you will have to make Also note any features such as bridges or railway crossings which will help you to identify your position along the way When you are satisfied that you have a mental picture of the route and only then undertake your journey It is a good idea to carry your map and compass with you j Imagine yourself to be making a journey by bus You have studied the maps and know that your destination is S and W of your bus stop What you do not know is the exact route the bus takes and as a consequence on which side of the road you will alight On alighting from the bus you can use your compass to determine the street direction and decide which way to go in order to reach your destination Use your map to check your progress by holding it so that the street in which you are walking and the street on the map point in the same direction This will allow you to count the street crossings and make the turns you planned VVVVVVVVV VVVVVVVVVV V VV V VVUVVLVVVVLVLVV K G VVUV VGVUV UUVVGLU PPPPPPAOPHOAAADODOOODHODONODAADAPAPPPPPPPPPP RPP PP POON Travelling south arrow indicates direction of travel Map correctly oriented ypass to correctly orient the map on If for example it is the house of lives nient means of travel that is bus st to your de
71. y interpreted as you will discover in the map reading exercises which use Figure 14 SVLVVVLVVVYVGVVVVVV V VV VVVVVVVG VVULDVLSVLVLGOGOGGO GOGGCLOCGCGGEGC BBIDDOBOODODONDBONANDNOADDAODOOORRYOBDDDBDBBDOBBBDBBOBPBVPDBONOD ON Here isolines are used to depict tw metres and population density on advisable that you wait until you ha attempting to read these maps 1 and height drawing of a hill eastern side of the hill and the western side A valley begins per left hand or north western a series of layers of equal height edges of the other layers they are contour lines 2 5 2 are represented by lines on they are contour lines on the lines in Figure 5 3 Values for the n added from sea level up to ants 400 metres above sea level is ogether where the slope is steep gt left hand side where the slope is is represented by contour lines out the other 1ensional hill has been accurately 2 In the real world however the te little research has been terpret terrain from contours es can be readily interpreted as which use Figure 14 dL GLVLLVU VVLUVLVVV VVUVUVVU V V VV LVL V VBLLUVBGBULVGUGGVVUGLVVB VGYGUVU VUV EGEEEG e E amp C e e i e e e e e e e e e e e e e amp amp p amp E amp E S e amp e c es 23 Here isolines are used to depict two common types of data e
72. y using the following alphanumeric grid references Note their location in relation to the coastline and or State border Adelaide A D5 Brisbane B F4 Canberra C E5 Darwin D C1 Hobart H E6 Melbourne M E5 Perth P B5 Sydney S E5 Step 8 Using the graphic scale at the top left of the map measure the distance between the following capital cities Brisbane and Sydney Adelaide and Melbourne Adelaide and Perth Darwin and Adelaide Melbourne and Sydney 120 E 130 The answers can be found at the end of this section Scale 1 22 000 000 READING LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE The object of the map at Figure 12 is to provide you with an understanding of 9 Sr b latitude and longitude As you should remember from Section 4 latitude and s 3 longitude is the best known and most universal geographic reference system ea 110 E 120 E 13 Lines of latitude parallels are measured in degrees N and S of the Equator els Legend and lines of longitude meridians are measured in degrees E and W of l3 Coastine sod RANA A r Greenwich Observatory in England ali Stats 727 AA 00 Capital city aaaasaasssscsosnssssssia ach State and Territory using the Note their location in relation to t of the map measure the cities section fide you with an understanding of er from Section 4 latitude and al geographic reference system egrees N and S of the Equator gt d in

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