Intelligibility of Map Symbology in Student Atlases
ISBN 978-85-88783-11-9
Authors
1Vozenilek, V.; 2Morkesova, P.
1PALACKY UNIVERSITY, OLOMOUC Email: vit.vozenilek@upol.cz
2PALACKY UNIVERSITY, OLOMOUC Email: petra.morkesova@seznam.cz
Abstract
The paper treats analysis of the map symbology in world student atlases focused on intelligibility of symbols by atlas users – students – to answer How student understand map symbols in student atlases produced in different countries. The research aim was to find out whether or not the selected map symbols are intelligibly understood by students, and if they are able to gain required information. Eleven student atlases from different countries were analysed. The intelligibility of map symbol was tested using an online web questionnaire distributed to Czech students. The questionnaire was focused to the main group of atlas users (actual students) and also to other respondents who have used atlases formerly. The survey collected 441 responses. These responses were handled by statistical methods. The research proved that older students were more successful in symbol understanding and retrieval of information from maps. The results confirmed the assumption that map symbols in world student atlases are intelligible and that cartographic literacy increases with age and knowledge gained. The survey also showed that the use of cartographic products during free-time activities is beneficial for deepening the ability to read maps in respondents across age groups. Additionally, the Swiss atlas provides the richest approach in map language, while the Serbian one was the poorest. However, none of the selected atlases was entirely different in its concept in comparison with the others.
Keywords
student atlas; map symbols; intelligibility