Characteristic Traits of the Semiotic System 'Map Symbolism'
- 1 June 1985
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in The Cartographic Journal
- Vol. 22 (1) , 23-30
- https://doi.org/10.1179/000870485787313063
Abstract
Map symbolism is a complex semiotic system with spatial and non-spatial components. Macrosigns (localized signs) are ultimately composed of minimal signs and in turn combine in texts. Accordingly, there are a local and a supra-local combinatorics (syntax), which are essentially different. Minimal expressions are jointly meaningful and distinctive, and distinction is differential or gradual. Signs are arbitrary or motivated, but motivation is a crucial trait of the system. Rules for linking expressions to contents are global or pertain to the individual map. Notwithstanding its semantic specialization, map symbolism is productive.Keywords
This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- The Map As Natural Language: A Paradigm For UnderstandingCartographica: The International Journal for Geographic Information and Geovisualization, 1984