Cognitive Requirements on Making and Interpreting Maps

We present an approach to modeling human interpretation of (real) geographic maps. While in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) the limitations for describing geographic knowledge mainly stem from the limitations of this knowledge itself, paper maps pose additional constraints on the representation of spatial configurations. We examine maps as representation media with respect to cartographic restrictions involved in the map making process. Some cognitive factors of cartographic generalization are indicated. We present our aspect map approach allowing for describing maps formally as pictorial representations. The approach postulates the use of meta-knowledge to enable adequate map interpretation. Phenomena of cartographic interpretation and misinterpretation are illustrated employing two kinds of hierarchic structures of spatial aspects of maps. The notions we present can be employed in augmenting the 'cognitive adequacy' of automated map making and map reading.