Abstract
The ancient art of cartography was revolutionised in the 1970s with the advent of the application of digital computers to map making. Another revolution is now taking place with the further application of digital techniques from associated disciplines. The computer can no longer be considered merely as an advanced tool in the production of a map. Many data are captured directly in digital form and are best stored as computer files. The map may then be defined as the digital, rather than analogue, representation of reality with the conventional map product being produced with the relevant subset of data only when a ‘take-away’ copy is required. More typically, the map would be produced as an ephemeral display on a computer screen at the scale and projection required by the occasion. These developments, which have been theoretically possible for some years, have now been greatly stimulated by the technological advances associated with use of data from environmental remote sensing satellites. The widespread implementation and use of practical, working, cartographic data bases for research and applications are now likely within the next few years.
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