Cartography
noun /kɑːˈtɒɡrəfi/ — The art and science of drawing maps — of translating the world into readable form.
Definition
The practice of representing geographical information in visual form — maps, charts, atlases — the translation of the three-dimensional world into a legible, navigable representation.
Beyond the definition
Every map is an argument about what matters. The cartographer decides what to include, what to emphasise, where to put the centre. To study cartography is to understand that no map is neutral — choosing how to represent the world is itself an act of power.
Origin & history
French 'cartographie' — from 'carte' (map) + '-graphie' (writing/drawing), from Greek 'graphein' (to write). The art of writing the map of the world.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She was drawn to historical cartography — the maps of places before they were fully known.
Cartography is one of those disciplines that turns out to be philosophy.
The project required cartography in the metaphorical sense — mapping relationships and territories.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Cartography” when the meaning fits your context: The practice of representing geographical information in visual form — maps, charts, atlases — the translation of the three-dimensional world into a legible, navigable representation.
Synonyms
mapmaking, mapping, charting
Antonyms
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Cartography" mean?
Cartography is noun meaning: The art and science of drawing maps — of translating the world into readable form.. The practice of representing geographical information in visual form — maps, charts, atlases — the translation of the three-dimensional world into a legible, navigable representation.
Where does the word "Cartography" come from?
French 'cartographie' — from 'carte' (map) + '-graphie' (writing/drawing), from Greek 'graphein' (to write). The art of writing the map of the world.