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48 Number 43, Fall 2002 cartographic perspectives not photorealistic. Instead, they are a stylized view of the Earth as seen through a powerful graphical lens, which attempts to show landscapes not as they actually are but how readers might expect or desire them to look. The making of cartographically realistic NPS maps is an opportunistic enterprise used only when special conditions are met. The availability of high quality data is the most critical requirement. A missing piece of key information can prevent the transformation to realism from happening. Time and money are also important considerations, because realistic maps are elaborate productions that take considerably longer to complete than their conventional counterparts. Finally, one must identify an NPS map situation that would benefit significantly from cartographically realistic design treatment—not every NPS map is a suitable candidate, particularly those in urban areas or maps that emphasize property ownership. But, when excellent data is at hand, schedules are open, and a suitable project identified, realistic map design is an option to consider. On those NPS maps that receive cartographically realistic design treat- ment, some classes of map information are more suitable for realistic depic-tion than others. In general, physical landscape features are highly suited, cultural features less so, and explanatory elements not at all (Fig- ure 4). To design realistic maps, the NPS attempts to consolidate all physical features—shaded relief, land cover, drainages, etc. as a single graphical entity. By grouping physical features together on one level, the base, the visual hierarchy of the entire map is simplified, which allows cultural and explanatory information to be seen more legibly above. Although physical features occupy the same visual level, they can be made to appear distinct from one another by employing graphical special effects. Four rules for cartographically realistic map design: 1) Remove lines – As shown by their use in prehistoric cave art and children's drawings, lines are the most rudimentary form of graph- ical expression. They are also much loved and over used by map makers. Strong in form and visually distracting, lines are extremely rare in the natural world. Take them off your map wherever pos- sible. 2) Rasterize – Vectors and realism are incompatible. Rasterizing vec- tor lines and fills in Photoshop makes them less artificial and more "The making of cartographically realistic NPS maps is an opportunistic enterprise used only when special conditions are met." "They are also much loved and over used by map makers. Strong in form and visually distracting, lines are extremely rare in the natural world. Take them off your map wherever possible." Figure 3. The Wigwams, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Combining and manipulating a USGS DOQ (left top) and DLG and DEM data (left bottom) in Adobe Photoshop results in a more realistic map (right).

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