‘The science of cartography is same in all periods’. Justify the statement.
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Answer:
Regardless of changing official definitions, many cartographers continue to think of cartography in terms of art and science. This paper critiques the use of the art/science dualism as a means of understanding cartography, particularly by those interested in reexamining the role of aesthetics, design, and visual expression in cartography. Two basic approaches to 'art' and 'science' in the context of cartography and information graphics are described along with their limitations. It is argued that the manner in which the art/science dualism has been used in cartography does not stand up under close scrutiny and that attempts to strictly differentiate art and science have ended in confusion while simultaneously demeaning both art and science. It is suggested that various and seemingly divergent trends including postmodern deconstruction, hypermedia, cognitive psychology, semiotics, geographical information systems, and visualization all point to a process oriented means of understanding cartography. Within this process, 'art' and 'science' serve a functionally similar role, informing the different ways in which we come to know and re-know our human and physical worlds.
Answer:
In North America, students may major in Cartography but also approach the subject from geography and surveying. In Europe, cartographers tend to enter into a mapping career through earth sciences (which includes geography and geology), geophysics, land surveying, civil engineering and even graphic design. Master's Degrees are typically required these days, especially if the individual wants to enter into a specialist area, and post-graduate students will be expected to have some experience with GIS software. In the next few years, a background in surveying or GIS is expected to become essential to any career in mapping.
Cartography is the creation and the study of maps and charts - the difference being that maps apply to land and charts are for marine areas (9, p299). It has a long tradition going back at least 4000 years; inextricably tied to geography for most of its history, in the 20th century it has diversified as it becomes more relevant in an increasingly digital modern world. Despite the advent of GIS, the two disciplines are not competing with each other, but complementing each other through a cross-disciplinary approach.
It isn't just about the compilation or the process of mapping, but also the history of maps. Who doesn't enjoy looking at what the world's borders or even their local area looked like 100 years ago? This is a valuable source for a wide range of academic disciplines. It stands on its own as raw data, but it can also tell you much about the people who compiled the map (1). Why was it compiled? How was it drawn? What was the motive for compiling it? Has it been embellished, and how? It may come as a surprise to think that maps can be and have been used for political propaganda (2, p207-8) but it is information that can be used by people to tell us what they want us to know. Like any other source of official information, they can be used to tell us what we need to know, and for others to tell us what they want us to know.