Kartering

Kartering is the process of creating maps and charts to represent spatial information. In many Nordic and Baltic languages, the term kartering (or similar forms) denotes systematic mapping and charting activities, distinct from but overlapping with traditional cartography. The concept shares roots with the word kart—map or chart—and the suffix -ering to indicate an ongoing process.

Kartering combines data collection, analysis, and map production. Data sources include aerial or satellite imagery, aerial surveying, ground-based measurements, and crowdsourced datasets. Geographic information systems are used to organize, analyze, and visualize data. The process typically involves defining the map’s purpose, selecting coordinate reference systems, digitizing features, compiling attributes, and validating results before publication.

Kartering produces topographic maps, land use maps, infrastructure plans, environmental assessments, and thematic maps showing variables such as population density, vegetation, or risk zones. Outputs may be static maps, interactive web maps, or data layers for integration into other systems.

Used across urban planning, resource management, transportation, emergency response, and research, it often adheres to GIS standards for data formats, metadata, and interoperability (for example GeoJSON, GML, WMS, and recognized coordinate systems).

Challenges include data accuracy and resolution, data privacy, licensing, and keeping maps up to date. The field emphasizes documentation, reproducibility, and quality assurance.

See also: Cartography, Geographic information system, Spatial data, Map projection, Geospatial analysis.