Map Specifications

Map specifications provide the rules and guidelines for the issues associated with making a map.  Specifications are needed for both printed and electronic maps. 

For simple, one-off, maps these may be very simple (being no more than vague guidelines), but for complex series maps these can be very complex.  Listed below is a contents summary for one of the more complex Australian Specifications.  These are for both printed maps and digital data and the range of topics covered are a good indication of the issues which may need to be addressed in a specification.

Section 1
National Topographic Databases (NTDB) Structure and Specifications

• The NTDB Model
• TOPO250K and TOPO100K Data Structure
• Quality Information
• Data Arrangement

Section 2
National Topographic Map Series (NTMS) Specifications.

• Introduction
• Information to be included
• Feature Names
• Type Selection and Placement
• Type Size Selection Criteria
• Type Style (Font) Abbreviations
• 250 000 Scale Type Specifications
• 100 000 Scale Type Specifications
• Authorised Abbreviations

Section 3
National Topographic Database (NTDB) Production Information

• General Information
• Revision
• The National Topographic Database Structure
• General Notes
• Feature Specific Notes
• Submission of Data to Geoscience Australia

Appendices

Appendix A – Feature Type Dictionary

Appendix B – NTMS Map Layout Guides and Associated Marginalia Information

Appendix C – Fence and Water Facilities Guide

Appendix D – Inland Water Features Guide

Appendix E – Limits of Oceans and Seas

Appendix G – 1:250 000 & 1:100 000 NTMS Map Indexes

Appendix H – Map Boundaries / Extents Guide

Appendix J – Validation Tests

Appendix L – Glossary

Appendix M – The Geocentric Datum of Australia

Appendix N – History of the National Topographic Map Series (NTMS) NATMAP Series and GEODATA Vector Product

Appendix O – Indigenous Lands Guide

Appendix P – Map Grid of Australia 100 000 metre square Identification Diagram

Appendix Q – GEODATA / Geodatabase Cross Reference

Appendix R – Feature Type Cross Reference Tables

Appendix S – Symbol Dictionary for Topographic Map Production

Appendix T – Type Style Samples

Appendix U – Imagery Interpretation Guide

Appendix V – Product Specifications

Appendix W – Map Printing Orders

Appendix X – Listing of Domain Tables and Definitions

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Further Reading

Geoscience Australia – Topographic Data and Map Specifications for TOPO250K & TOPO100K National Topographic Databases and Topographic Map Products

http://www.ga.gov.au/mapspecs/topographic/v5/

Natural Resources Canada – Standards and Specifications

http://maps.nrcan.gc.ca/cartospecs/MainIndexE50.htm