Cartography is an art · that gives us the world on paper · We see mountains, rivers, and coasts · that fill our hearts with longing • The map is a treasure chest · full of knowledge and secrets · It shows us paths and trails · that lead us to new destinations • It gives us orientation · in a world full of change · it's like a compass · that guides us to our destiny • But the map alone · is just a piece of paper · it takes the spirit of exploration · to bring it to life • So cartography remains · an art full of magic · that shows us the world in miniature · and inspires us.
About
Just about everything with a location reference can be seen on a map—and often this is the best way to view it. The main purpose of a map, orientation, is most effective when the spatial relationship of the map’s elements come to the fore. Enriched with the representation of quantitative and qualitative properties, this purpose is not only to be understood spatially, but in ideal terms it puts forward a comprehensive presentation of the subject on display. Aesthetic map graphics that are as self-explanatory as possible round off the whole map experience.
Characteristics
Orientation and Navigation
Communication
Spatial Relations
Overview
Research and Analysis
Knowledge and Awareness
Planning
Documentation
Fields of Application
Geography
Environment
History
Economy
Transport
Politics
Art
Society
Creating thematic maps is a fascinating process—a wide array of information from various sources is used as a foundation and rendered in cartographic form through symbols, colour and text as design elements. The challenge is to find a balance between accuracy and aesthetics and to convey the message of the map as comprehensibly and attractively as possible. The countless possibilities of visual representation and the careful handling of information lend cartography an artistic dimension.
Sources
Text (lexica, books, newspapers, etc.)
Tables
Statistics
Sensor data
Pictures
Other maps
Talks
Creative means
Shape
Colour
Writing
Semiotics/Meaning
Creativity
Esthetics
While geography still serves as a foundation in some works, non-geographic features can also be visualized using certain cartographic principles. Semantic landscapes come closest to traditional cartography; abstract concepts seem to have no commonality with cartography, except that each element still has a meaning. The spectrum ranges from the (rather freely interpreted) real existing landscape to non-material, non-geographic subjects. I find the topic of mind-matter particularly fascinating.
Sources of inspiration
Spirituality
Religion
Philosophy
Mythology
Science
Science Fiction
Esotericism
Dreams
Nature
Technology
Topics
Mind-Matter
Karma
Own Path
Consciousness
Water, Flowing
Cosmos
Character
Semiotic
Abstract
Organic
Typical
Cartographic
Archiving
The preservation and archiving of books and maps is one of the most important tasks of public libraries. They are true treasures of the community, as they serve as places of knowledge and education where everyone has access to a variety of resources. In addition, specialized directories exist that play an equally important role. The maps in the "Map Library" section are archived at regular intervals in the institutions listed below and made publicly accessible.
SMD Swiss Media Database
https://smd.ch
Swiss National Library
https://www.nb.admin.ch
NFTs
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are digital assets that are based on blockchain technology. They represent ownership or proof of authenticity of a unique digital item, such as artworks. Unlike cryptocurrencies, which are interchangeable (fungible), NFTs are unique and non-interchangeable, hence the name "non-fungible." The characteristics of NFTs and blockchain technology—decentralization, security, and universal access—offer an interesting possibility for storing and distributing digital maps.
Foundation
https://foundation.app/@matt_beilstein