chartography: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / SpecialisedTechnical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “chartography” mean?
The art or practice of drawing maps or charts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The art or practice of drawing maps or charts; cartography.
The systematic representation of geographical, marine, or celestial information on a flat surface.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exceptionally rare in both varieties. If used, it is slightly more likely to appear in British English in historical or very specialised nautical contexts, but the dominant term "cartography" is universal.
Connotations
Possible archaic or overly formal connotation. May imply a specific focus on navigational (especially sea) charts rather than general land maps.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects. Its use would be notable and likely require explanation.
Grammar
How to Use “chartography” in a Sentence
the chartography of [place/sea]engaged in chartographyexpert in chartographyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chartography” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The early explorers sought to chartograph the newly discovered coastlines.
- He spent his career chartographing the North Sea.
American English
- The expedition's goal was to chartograph the uncharted bay.
- Specialists were hired to chartograph the river delta.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Extremely rare; may appear in historical studies of navigation or as a variant in older texts. 'Cartography' is the standard academic term.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Possible, but highly specialised usage in nautical history or specific sub-fields of geomatics. Most technical fields use 'cartography'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chartography”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chartography”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chartography”
- Using 'chartography' when you mean the standard term 'cartography'.
- Assuming 'chartography' is a common or modern word.
- Misspelling as 'cartography' (which is actually the correct, common term).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a valid but very rare and somewhat archaic word. It is essentially a synonym for 'cartography', though it can imply a focus on navigational charts.
You should almost always use 'cartography'. It is the standard, universally understood term in all contexts (academic, technical, everyday). Using 'chartography' will likely confuse your audience or mark your language as unusual.
Generally, a 'map' represents land features, while a 'chart' is used for maritime or aeronautical navigation, showing depths, currents, hazards, and navigational aids. Hence, 'chartography' might specifically refer to making such navigational charts.
The term 'cartography', derived from Latin 'charta' (meaning 'paper' or 'map'), became the dominant and standardised term in the 19th century, subsuming the more specific 'chartography' into general usage.
The art or practice of drawing maps or charts.
Chartography is usually technical / formal in register.
Chartography: in British English it is pronounced /kɑːˈtɒɡrəfi/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɑːrˈtɑːɡrəfi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this rare term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHART-o-graphy' – the making of CHARTS (like sea charts), just like 'CARTO-graphy' is the making of maps (from 'carta', Latin for paper/map).
Conceptual Metaphor
MAP-MAKING IS WRITING/THE WORLD IS A TEXT (though more literally, it is drawing/recording).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common and preferred modern term for the art of making maps?