88 THe geOgRaPHiC anD
CaRTOgRaPHiC FRaMeWORK
on compilation scale and reproduction scale, but, although this sort of quantification
can be helpful, choices based on practice and experience are usually most valuable.
Topic
and Purpose
The purpose of the map is probably the major governing or controlling factor of
generalization. The same amount of generalization is not needed for rivers used as
base information on a climate map as for rivers used as thematic information on a
map showing drainage patterns, for example. Coastlines could be highly simplified
on a map of population, while a small-scale, general-purpose map would need more
detail, and a map designed for navigation must show the coastline in great detail. The
map’s purpose is especially important in choosing what will and will not be shown on
the map. The cartographer must give considerable thought to the topic and purpose
of the map before generalizing.
scale
of the Map
All things being equal, the smaller the map scale is, the more generalized the map
must be. For the same purpose, topic, and audience, a large-scale map needs less sim-
plification and can show more detail than a small-scale map of the same subject. This
is the major limiting factor. One must keep in mind both drawing and reproduction
scales. If the linear dimension of the map is to be reduced by one-half, generalization
at the drafting scale will be greater than if the map will be reproduced at the same
size (Figure 5.9).
Los Angeles
Long
Beach
Long
Beach
CSULB
CSULB
0
5
10
15
MILES
0
5
10
MILES
