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
GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA
TOPOGRAPHIC DATA AND MAP SPECIFICATIONS
FOR
TOPO250K & TOPO100K NATIONAL TOPOGRAPHIC DATABASES
&
NTMS SERIES 1:250 000 & 1:100 000 SCALE
TOPOGRAPHIC MAP PRODUCTS
VERSION : 5.0
RELEASE DATE : 1st December 2007
Geoscience Australia
Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
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
If you have any suggestions for additional hyperlinks or improvements to the content please contact the ICSM Executive Officer:
phone: +61 2 6249 9677 (international) or (02) 6249 9677 (within Australia); email: icsm@ga.gov.au
Unless otherwise noted, all ICSM material on this website is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia Licence
© Commonwealth of Australia 2011 on behalf of ICSM view the Creative Commons Licence terms
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Last Updated: 06 Apr 2009
