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Mapmaking (representation of geographical information) has
evidences to show independent evolution of maps in different parts of the
earth. The direct evidence of mapping comes from Middle East in the form of
Babylonian Clay Tablets as early as 1000 B.C which depicted earth as a
flat circular disk.
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Around 200 B.C, Eratosthenes calculated the circumference of
earth accurately. Later came, Ptolemy and Al-Idrisi who made remarkable
contributions in the field of cartography. Following them were Mercator
and Newton, their work
paved way for the upcoming cartographers and geographers to better
understand the earth and the geographical phenomenon.
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Putting layers of data on series of base maps to analyze
things geographically has been into existence much longer than the
introduction of computers to the geographical world.
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The
French cartographer Louis-Alexandre Berthier had drawn the maps of the
Battle of Yorktown (1781) that contained hinged overlays to show troop
movements.
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Superimposition of topography, geology, population and
traffic flow on the same base map has been shown in the Atlas to
Accompany the Second report of the Irish Railway Commissioners.
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Dr.
John Snow showed the locations of death by cholera on a map to track the
source of outbreak of cholera in Central London in September,
1854.
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The
introduction of computers in the field of geography was a positive step
towards understanding and learning the subject better. Change in
cartographic analysis due to improved graphics, development of theories
of spatial processes in economic and social geography, anthropology and
regional science, increased social awareness and improvement in
education. The integrated transportation plans of Detroit, Chicago during the
period of 1950s and 1960s used information on routes, origin,
destination, and time to produce the maps of traffic flow and volume is
an example of integration of computer technology with geographical data.
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