Wildlife Management Lecture 3: GIS and Maps

GISs and Maps

• Maps serve as essential tools in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), aiding in data input, verification, spatial analysis, and result presentation.
• Whenever location-related questions arise, maps effectively provide answers, revealing geographic objects and their thematic attributes.
• Maps transfer spatial information efficiently, showcasing location, characteristics, and temporal factors through colors and symbols.
• Interactive on-screen maps connect to databases, allowing for complex inquiries.

Definition of Maps

• C.Board (1990) defines a map as a representation of geographic reality, serving to present geographic information in visual, digital, or tactile formats.
• Maps simplify and represent parts of the Earth’s surface, aiding in spatial analysis.

Topographic and Thematic Maps

• Topographic maps accurately reflect the Earth’s surface and include details such as infrastructure, land use, relief, hydrology, and reference grids.
• Thematic maps focus on specific distributions, categorized into socio-economic and physical themes, and may reference topographical information.

Visualization Process

• The cartographic visualization process translates spatial data into graphical representations, predominantly map-like products.
• This process involves utilizing cartographic methods and techniques, akin to a grammar for optimal map design.

Factors Influencing Visualization

• Decisions on map scale (large, small) introduce the concept of generalization, meaning the essential elements are reduced during scale adjustment.
• Distinct design approaches exist for topographic versus thematic data.
• Data nature (quantitative or qualitative) significantly influences visualization strategies.

Cartographic Communication

• The visualization process is guided by the principle: "How do I say what to whom?"
  • "How" pertains to the cartographic methods used.
  • "I" indicates the cartographer's role.
  • "Say" involves conveying spatial data through graphics.
  • "What" references the spatial data characteristics.
  • "Whom" concerns the intended audience and purpose of the map.

Cartographic Toolbox and Data Types

• The analysis of cartographic data shapes the choice of map symbology, differentiating between qualitative (nominal) and quantitative data.
• Qualitative data includes discreet, named values without natural order; whereas quantitative data can be measured along interval or ratio scales.
• Ordinal data represents a relative scale of measurement, indicating hierarchy (e.g., "more" or "less").

Mapping Techniques

• Maps consist of basic elements such as point symbols, line symbols, area symbols, and text.
• Variations in the appearance of symbols convey specific information:
  • Point symbols can shift in size or color to indicate different values or locations.
  • Line symbols may differ in color and shape to depict various functions (e.g., rivers vs. railroads).
  • Area symbols, through color differences, can represent varying vegetation types and land use.

Explore the relationship between Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and maps in wildlife and natural resource management. This lecture discusses how maps are integral to utilizing GIS technology effectively. Enhance your understanding of visualization and dissemination in the context of wildlife data.