cartography
kar-TOG-ruh-fee
/kɑːrˈtɒɡrəfi/
The science or practice of drawing maps.
It encompasses both the artistic design and the scientific accuracy required to represent geographic data.
The story behind the word. Coined in the 19th century by a Portuguese viscount, it combines the Latin 'charta' (paper/map) with the Greek 'graphein' (to write). It marked the transition of map-making from a craft to a formal science.
Word relationships
- mapmaking: Mapmaking is the general term; cartography is the formal, scientific discipline.
Commonly confused with
- geography: Geography is the study of the Earth's features; cartography is the specific act of drawing those features on a map.
Word family
- cartographer (noun): A person who draws or produces maps.
- cartographic (adjective): Relating to the science or practice of drawing maps.
Collocations
- digital cartography
- ancient cartography
- the art of cartography
Example sentences
- "The history of cartography is a history of how we have perceived our place in the universe." History of science
- "Modern cartography relies heavily on satellite imagery and computer modeling." Modern application
Memory hook
A 'Cart' carrying 'Graphs' of the land. Map writing.
When not to use
Do not use for simple sketching or drawing that does not involve geographic representation.
Fun facts
- The oldest known map is a Babylonian clay tablet from around 600 BCE.
Related words
Explore more words
Visualization, chronology, navigate, hydrology, census, genealogy
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