cartography: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “cartography” mean?
The science, art, and technology of making maps.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The science, art, and technology of making maps.
The practice of graphically representing a geographical area, usually on a flat surface such as a map or chart. It may involve the superimposition of political, cultural, or other non-geographical divisions onto the representation of the geographical area.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling.
Connotations
Slightly more academic/formal connotation in general use in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used primarily in technical, historical, and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cartography” in a Sentence
[study + cartography][specialise in + cartography][advances in + cartography][the cartography of + place]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cartography” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She trained to cartograph the newly acquired territories.
- The team will cartograph the entire coastline.
American English
- They needed to cartograph the region in detail.
- The software helps cartograph complex urban environments.
adverb
British English
- The area was represented cartographically.
- He thinks cartographically about every landscape.
American English
- The data was presented cartographically.
- She approaches problems almost cartographically.
adjective
British English
- The cartographic survey was remarkably precise.
- He had considerable cartographic skill.
American English
- The cartographic details on the new map are stunning.
- She works in the cartographic department.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in companies specializing in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) or navigation technology.
Academic
Core term in geography, history, and urban planning departments.
Everyday
Rare; might appear in documentaries or history books.
Technical
Standard term in geosciences, surveying, and GIS.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cartography”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cartography”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cartography”
- Mispronunciation: /ˌkɑːrtəˈɡræfɪ/ (incorrect stress). Confusing it with 'cartology' (which is not a standard term).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, modern cartography includes digital, interactive, and web-based maps.
Geography is the broader study of Earth's lands, features, and phenomena. Cartography is the specific discipline within geography concerned with the representation of this information graphically.
No. A surveyor collects precise spatial data about locations. A cartographer takes such data (among other sources) and designs, compiles, and produces the map itself.
The verb 'to cartograph' exists but is rare and technical. It's more common to say 'to map' or 'to produce cartography'.
The science, art, and technology of making maps.
Cartography is usually academic / technical in register.
Cartography: in British English it is pronounced /kɑːˈtɒɡ.rə.fi/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɑːrˈtɑː.ɡrə.fi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Put (something) on the map (metaphorically related)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CARTOon' + 'graphy' (writing/drawing) = drawing maps, like detailed, scientific cartoons of the land.
Conceptual Metaphor
MAP-MAKING IS A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY / MAP-MAKING IS A FORM OF STORYTELLING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary focus of cartography?