Map Functions

This page is one of four pages looking at the Uses of maps.  It is one step down from the master pages on Map Use where there is a discussion on generic map uses.  And, there are complementary pages on levels of map use and on the tasks of using maps.

Professor Ulrich Freitag authored a chapter on Map Functions in the Report of the ICA-Working Group to Define the Main Theoretical Issues on Cartography for the 16th ICA Conference--Cologne 1993.  In this chapter he looks at different definitions of cartography and observes that map use was not included in earlier definitions.  He contends that based on his discussion of map functions 'systematic expert knowledge' should be a part of the theory of cartography. (Freitag, 1993, 15)

That chapter has much to say about map use. Below are excerpts from that work.

Freitag notes the most comprehensive attempt to articulate types of map functions to this point had been the paper by G. Papay (1973) which built on the paper by Board (1967). Freitag states that Papay specified two sets of broad functions with further sub-functions.

1. Invariant functions of every cartographic representation
1.1 - information carrier
1.2 - explanatory reflection

2. Variant functions of specific cartographic representations
2.1 - communication
2.2 - information gaining (knowledge transfer function)
2.3 - the behavior steering function with subsets of advertising; orientation; and the decision function

The expression 'Invariant functions' means that any and all maps carry information and reflect some explanation of the world being represented by that map.  Certainly, this is reasonable.

Freitag (pp. 14-16) built on this base to distinguish four variant functions of maps:

1 - The cognitive function encompasses all processes and operations and all models which generate and enhance spatial knowledge. All processes of map analysis, transformations, generalization, simulations, animations, etc. should be listed here, if possible in a sequence of operations leading from near-reality models to very abstract models of space.

2 - The communication function, which includes demonstration, encompasses all processes and operations of spatial knowledge transfer from a map maker to a user. It may be divided into several sub-functions according to the extent of transferred knowledge, the level of pre-knowledge, and the form and means of knowledge transfer. Educational communication, mass media communication, academic communication, administrative communication represent the dimensions of this function.

3 - The decision support function encompasses all processes and operations which--based on the evaluation of spatial phenomena--result in spatial decisions and spatial actions. Examples of these types of functions include navigation, planning, and persuasion.

4 - The social function encompasses all processes which result not in spatial, but in social behavior and actions.  One form of this involves the professional map maker in relation to other persons in the mapping process, including the users. Maps can also be seen as tools of social power, exercised through the access or the denial of access to spatial information, through copyrights or the monopoly on mapping equipment. Then there is the ability to consider mapping as a cultural activity.

In summary, Freitag argues for two Invariant Functions for Maps and four Variant Functions of Maps, as:

Invariant Functions of Maps (cartographic representations, models)
   1 - Carrying information
   2 - Reflecting an explanation of what is there

Variant Functions of Maps (cartographic representations, models)
   1 - Cognitively creating and/or enhancing spatial knowledge
   2 - Communication of spatial knowledge to the user
   3 - Decision support leading to action
   4 - Social and behavior changes related to map use

It is noted that how well these functions work depends in large part on the ability of the map user to comprehend and process the visual information.  In summary, these functions are consistent with the many dimensions of map use detailed on these pages.

References Cited

Board, C., 1967, "Maps as Models," in Chorley, R. J., and P. Haggett (eds), Models in Geography. London: Metheun, 671-725.

Freitag, Ulrich, 1993, "Chapter 1, Map Functions," in The Selected Main Theoretical Issues Facing Cartography.  Report of the ICA-Working Group to Define the Main Theoretical Issues on Cartography for the 16th ICA Conference--Cologne 1993

Papay, G., 1973, "Funktionen der Kartograhischen Darstellungsformen," Petermanns Geographische Mitteilungen 117/3: 234-239

You are at the bottom of the page on Map Functions.  This is one of four pages on the uses of maps.  Complement of this page are the Levels of Map Use and the Tasks of Using Maps.  I present my classification of Generic Map Uses in the master page of Map Use: The Many Dimensions.