A Proposal for Topographic Map Symbols for Large-Scale Maps of Urban Areas in Brazil

ABSTRACT

Topographic mapping in Brazil has been performed without the direct application of cartographic theory to reflect local conditions. This problem is even more pronounced regarding large-scale mapping. Due to this motivation, we describe the method and related results that we have developed to propose a set of symbols for topographic mapping at large scales for the municipalities of Paraná, Brazil. We developed the study by considering cartographic principles and aligning them with the definitions of Brazilian systematic mapping. The first step in the research was making decisions about which elements should be part of the 1:2000 scale. We have also defined the meaning of each element, which were the basis for establishing classes and subclasses. Next, a symbology was designed. These results are essential for proposing a scientific framework for topographic mapping that benefits a large group of producers and users of urban maps in Brazil.

KEYWORDS:

• Topographic mapping
• map symbology
• topographic mapping standardization

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on the contributor

Claudia Robbi Sluter is an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. She has a PhD in computer science from the National Institute for Space Research and a Master of Geodetic Science and Cartographic Engineering from the Federal University of Parana. She teaches and develops research in geoscience with focus on cartography and GI science, particularly: geovisualization, thematic cartography, topographic mapping and map generalization, and the design of geoinformation solutions.

ORCID

Claudia Robbi Sluter http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6765-9526

Silvana Philippi Camboim http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3557-5341

Vitor Silva Araújo http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4880-3016

Notes

1 Topographic mapping system.

2 Topographic mapping.

3 Reference mapping.

4 Topographic maps.

5 Technical Chamber of Cartography and Geoprocessing.

6 Army Geographic Service.

7 Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics.

8 National Commission of Cartography.

9 Commission for the Brazilian General Map.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico [Grant Number 308132/2015-7].