Cartography, the art and science of map making is rapidly converting to computerized, digital data bases and highly interactive computer graphic displays. The Cartography and Map Technology Program is taking significant steps towards computerizing the map-making process taught to students. A mini-computer graphics system is being used in two separate ways: for teaching interactive map design; and in teaching data base concepts necessary in handling map data bases. The system includes graphics work stations with digitizers and controllers as well as a color hardcopy device to print the maps being produced. Since cartographic data represents some of the largest, most complex, and rapidly changing data bases, an advanced graphics computer system is helping students acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for dealing with mapping problems in the future.
