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Articles

1984: Vol. LXI, No. 1

A Methodological Approach to Nautical Chart Design

Submitted
August 6, 2015
Published
2015-07-15

Abstract

The need for improved nautical chart design has recently been identified. Cumulative addition of various data and the resulting visual clutter are examples of actual problems calling for studies in this field. As has been demonstrated in studies of aeronautical charting, effective communication of navigational information can be achieved through the choice of appropriate graphic solutions. Research on effective graphic encoding should permit optimization of information transfer from the cartographer to the navigator and other users. Cartographic communication theory can provide an organized framework to initiate studies on improved chart encoding. In the past, cartographers’ personal impressions and experience have led the way in nautical chart design. Such indirect research methods were lacking in objectivity. Better ways must now be sought and an approach relying on objective chart evaluation should lead the way. Thus, practical measurement of the reliability of proposed chart designs must be achieved through systematic testing with subjects. The normal chart use conditions are then investigated and simulated to measure the perceptual reactions of the users on specific problems needing investigation. Adoption of an adequate methodology — hence, following closely the successive steps of scientific experimentation — can also bring the marine cartographer to the realm of scientific research.