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.  BY way of example, 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.

An important component of Specifications are Data Dictionaries.  These are a vital component in ensuring that everyone 'sings from the same hymnbook' - in other words: use language consistently.  By way of example, one map producer may use the term 'road' to only mean major highways, while another would describe an out-back dirt track as a road.  This can cause great confusion when a third person tries to use their maps and does not undersytand the difference.

To overcome this problem Australia wide Data Dictionaries have been developed.  Examples of these are available on the ICSM website:

• The ICSM defines different terms used by ICSM agency to legally describe tides.  See http://www.icsm.gov.au/icsm/tides/tidal_interface.html



• The ICSM Feature Catalogue, Standardised National [Mapping] Feature Codes; and Topographic [Mapping] Feature Catalogue define features - what they are, its 'standard' attributes, its relationships to other features and included terms.  See http://www.icsm.gov.au/icsm/harmonised_data_model/links.html

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

---

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