Towards a Functional Definition of the Science of Cartography with Emphasis on Map Reading

The science of cartography encompasses three primary areas of activity. These areas are: (1) from the raw data of reality to the cartographer's conception of the map, (2) from the conception of the map through the creation of a map, and (3) from the map to the map reader. It is hypothesized that each area of activity consists of a complex product function. Brief suggestions are given for the forms of the product functions which represent the first two areas of activity, and the third area is emphasized by deriving possible psychophysical models for simple map reading tasks. Experimental evidence where present is reported. The science of cartography should allocate its research efforts to improving map design through further psychophysical research and in the basic education of map readers. This dual-pronged approach seems highly promising.