An algebraic notation for Bertin's semiology with an extension for cartographic usage of the plane
ISBN 978-85-88783-11-9
Authors
1Reimer, A.; 2Van Goethem, A.; 3Speckmann, B.; 4Wood, J.
1HEIDELBERG UNIVERSITY Email: andread.reimerl@geog.uni-heidelberg.de
2TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY Email: a.i.v.goethem@tue.nl
3TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY Email: b.speckmann@tue.nl
4CITY UNIVERSITY Email: j.d.wood@city.ac.uk
Abstract
Jacques Bertin provided a comprehensive body of statements as well as a graphical notation for examining the expressivity of two dimensional diagrams and maps. While his basic propositions gained wide acceptance, his graphical notation did not see wide adoption. Due to that lack of adoption, academic authors have to describe Bertin's notions verbally on a as-needed basis. This opens up the possibility of imprecision and self contradiction. As automated processes and transformations across scales and themes become ever more widespread, the need to talk about the change effects regarding expressiveness rises. Especially the affected changes in geometries are currently also mainly circumscribed without an easy way of comparing them to each other. We propose a symbol-based notation that is suitable to make algebraic statements firmly based on Bertin's semiology of graphics. We further introduce terms and symbols able to express the usage of the two dimensions of the plane for maps in more detail than was possible before.
Keywords
Notation; Semiology of Graphics; Transformations