Production of a dialect map utilizing map maker

Technology for producing linguistic maps has undergone rapid development in recent years. Accordingly, new state-of-the-art maps have been introduced, from maps displaying regional dialects with symbols to ones attaching voice data, and others using geographic information systems (GIS) to create a linkage between geographic information. Such dazzling progress realized hitherto in cartographic technology for dialect maps has been made possible by high-tech computer technology. Against this backdrop, the present study demonstrates the usage and efficiency of our newly developed tool: the MAP MAKER. As a tool for creating dialect maps, the MAP MAKER represents data with symbols and has the following characteristics. First, users can easily create maps with the help of a graphic user interface. Additionally, when making a series of separate lexical maps with the same background map, the MAP MAKER enable users to minimize time in creating maps by avoiding the repetition of identical processes, thanks to the newly-developed function of user defined preference. Second, users can easily analyze and interpret regional dialect data via the sort and computation function. In detail, map creators can sort dialect data by order of the alphabet or of frequency, and enjoy a bird’s eye view of what types of regional dialect branches there are and how frequently they appear. Third, the MAP MAKER offers automatic coordination, aiding users in creating maps with various outlines, which is why the MAP MAKER is deemed as one the most effective tools for creating dialect maps.