Improving Undergraduate Cartography Education with Graphics and Data Base Systems

地图学，即地图制作的艺术和科学，正迅速转变为计算机化的数字数据库和高度互动的计算机图形显示。地图学和地图技术课程正在采取重大步骤，使教授给学生的地图制作过程电脑化。一种小型计算机图形系统被用于两种不同的方式：用于教学交互式地图设计；在数据库概念的教学中，需要对地图数据库进行处理。该系统包括带有数字转换器和控制器的图形工作站，以及用于打印正在制作的地图的彩色硬拷贝设备。由于地图数据代表了一些最大、最复杂和快速变化的数据库，一个先进的图形计算机系统正在帮助学生获得处理未来地图问题所必需的理论和实践知识。

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.