16 - Visualization: visual variables and cartographic rules

Describe and explain the basic cartographic rules for spatial data visualization and list the visual variables (level 1 and 2).

Concepts

  • Visualization

    One of the main goals of the GIS is to present spatial information in an efficient way. In this context the cartographic visualization process is considered to be the translation or conversion of spatial data from a database into graphics. During the visualization process, cartographic methods and techniques are applied. These can be considered to form a kind of "Cartographic Grammar", that allows for the optimal design, production, and use of maps.