CARTOGRAPHY
Cartography service (topographic mapping, web mapping, cartographic design) is one of the main activities of CASPIAN GEOMATICS company. Numerous contracts have been signed in this field with our works on thematic cartography and topographic mapping. Various sources can be used in the preparation of cartographic products. Currently, cartographic sources include aerospace data, internet resources, images obtained based on drone surveys, information obtained by laser scan and LIDAR technologies, materials obtained from terrestrial geodesy and topographic surveys, and paper map sources.
Thematic Cartography
Modern approaches are required for thematic cartography, which is considered one of the main directions of cartography service (mapping). In general, we implement numerous projects in all directions in our experience related to map design. These directions include general purpose maps and special (thematic) maps, socioeconomic and technical maps. We have expanded our portfolio by implementing many projects in the field of thematic and other mapping, including environmental mapping. We process and design compiled maps (thematic cartography) in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment. Based on our experience, we should note that mapping works for thematic cartography are more demanding and require the application of modern systems.
Topographic mapping
In modern mapping, a topographic map or topographic sheet is a type of map characterized by large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief features, usually using contour lines (connecting points of equal elevation), but historically using a variety of methods. In preparing topographic maps, you should initially conduct field topography surveys. Preliminary assessment of the area holds importance in various fields, including infrastructure project development. To do this, we conduct topographical surveys using various methodological approaches. These methods include tacheometric survey, GPS survey methods, drone, integrated application methods, photogrammetric survey, and high resolution data application methods.
The topographic service usually methodically analyzes the investigation area for topographic survey based on cartographic materials in advance. They analyze the surface structure of the area and use aerospace data with different resolutions. Then, they assess the area in terms of applied methodology. At the next level, they install a geodetic reference point (benchmark) or use an existing state geodetic station. Based on this, we solve the issues of measuring, calculating, and balancing geodetic reference points in static mode. In these measurements, we select reference base points (RTCM-REF GNSS points), connect them, and choose an averaged observation criterion. We center the equipment on the point and measure the height. We calculate installed benchmarks based on GNSS stations as a method.
Operational methods like terrestrial laser scanning surveying methods or aerial photography (LIDAR) include in the application of photogrammetric methods. The team plans the flight and solves issues to accurately execute it. To guarantee the geodetic accuracy of the product, they install photogrammetric reference points in the area, measuring their coordinates and elevations. They equip the unmanned aerial vehicle with a high-quality camera and capture high-resolution images. The team processes aerial photos, creates an aero triangulation model, and balances it.
Web maps
In modern cartography service (mapping), one of the requirements is the field of web mapping. Web cartography (web mapping) is a technology for using maps on the Internet through GIS services. The main difference is that the user can independently choose what information will be displayed on the map. It focuses specially on processing geospatial data, which involves data collection and specific aspects of software architecture. People use the term web mapping interchangeably with the term web GIS.
Geoinformation companies are now able to offer web mapping as part of their software service. The goal here is to enable the user to independently create and store maps. If necessary, the maps can be changed and uploaded to the server. A special editor is used to created these maps, and a method based on writing scripts that use the API for this service can be used.
You cannot apply web mapping technologies (digital cartography) without special servers and programs. They primarily need a geodatabase created in a GIS environment or integrated spatial databases.
Georeferencing issues
One of the important factors in cartographic service (mapping) is georeferencing issues. Also, today the digitization of paper maps stands out for its relevance. Raster media stores old municipal, cadastral, and topographic maps. Nowadays, projects often include these maps. Researchers analyze these maps to obtain information about the area and objects. In this regard, it is important to digitize such maps. As a result, objects are digitized and their management becomes possible, a geoinformation model of objects and events are created.
The model reflects the characteristics of the object and the event, enabling the analysis of the current situation and the attainment of an efficient result during prediction. In creating a geoinformation model, the focus lies not on the time interval of the investigation object and the event, but on accurately describing its properties and image in nature.
The world around us forms a complex system, consisting of objects and events. Studying the process and event in parts becomes impossible in this unique and complex system. Such models reflect both the current state and predictive properties. There are various approaches, methods, and algorithms for this purpose.
Cartographic design
When creating maps, cartographers strictly adhere to cartographic rules and treat the design criterion with sensitivity. The ability to work with colors and feel their harmony is necessary for map design, requiring a sense of taste. Special treatment should be given to maps, applying these approaches to many designs, as the nature of colors plays a crucial role in their overall design. In mapping, the use of colors depends on specific objects and events. When creating thematic maps in cartography, it is important to consider compositional compatibility and note elements of harmony.
review a number of projects that have been done
See also:
Remote Sensing
Geological & Geophysical surveys
GIS Solutions
Hydrographic survey
Geodesy & Photogrammetry