Cartographiques

Cartographiques is the French adjective relating to cartography, the discipline and art of mapmaking. In English, the corresponding term is cartographic, and in usage it describes maps, map products, or anything pertaining to the discipline.

Cartography combines science and design to collect, interpret, and visually communicate geographic information. A cartographic product typically integrates a map projection and scale, a legend, symbols, color, typography, and metadata to support use and interpretation.

Historically, cartographic practice has roots in ancient and medieval mapmaking and matured through Renaissance advances in geography and printing. The modern era introduced systematic geospatial data, standardization, and, more recently, digital techniques such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and web mapping.

Techniques and tools. Core techniques include selecting map projections to minimize distortion, choosing an appropriate scale, and applying symbolization and color theory to convey meaning. Digital cartography relies on vector and raster data, spatial analysis, and interactive visualization platforms.

Types and applications. Common map types include topographic maps, thematic maps (choropleth, dot density, proportional-symbol), navigational charts, cadastral maps, and environmental or demographic maps. Cartography supports urban planning, transportation, journalism, education, and scientific communication.

Data, standards, and accessibility. Cartographic outputs depend on accurate data from surveys, imagery, and open data portals. Standards for coordinate reference systems, metadata, licensing, and interoperability help ensure maps are reliable and reusable.

See also: cartography, GIS, map projection.