Practical GIS

Creating Digital Maps

In the previous chapters, we learned about data models, and how we can use them for our needs. In this chapter, we will learn about a new GIS concept--the representation model. The representation model applies different styles and styling rules to our raw data, and creates the styled result we see on our map canvas, and later, on our digital or printed maps. By styling our maps we can decide which properties of the data are important to the readers. For example, in a thematic map showing population, we don't need the road network, while we shouldn't make a road map unnecessarily complex with population data. We can also enhance readability by adding cartographic elements to our map, like a scale bar, a navigation grid, ...