like for example why do they put the dot for new york in southern manhattan why not brooklyn?
2006-08-26 05:20:14 · 9 answers · asked by arigont 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Geography
As a cartographer I can say that it depends on what the map is trying to convey. On regular consumer maps such as road maps the dot often will appear closest to the central business district that it can be placed without interrupting other map features, keeping in mind of course that the dot needs to be in a place that falls inside the census metropolitan area limits. I've even seen cases when the dot has been slightly moved in order to allow labeling to fit so that the map is more readable. There is a bit of artisitic license in the world of cartographic design. Usually the central business district tends to be a guideline though for city point features.
The other thing to note is the general precision of the map. Road maps are often not of a great amount of precision in that if you actually tried to navigate from them (as opposed to just following the lines) you would end up in the wrong place. Navigational maps, such as topographic series and nautical charts require high precision locational marking to accomodate their use and so are often much more technical in character.
It's a great question really. A book that you should read on the subject that is dear to us cartographers is "How to Lie with Maps" that discusses this in a fun read. Search for it on Amazon.com. It's a short paperback.
2006-08-28 13:08:08 · answer #1 · answered by Kevin M 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the scale of the map, but they generally put it at the City Hall or the Main Post Office.
2006-08-26 23:17:11 · answer #2 · answered by idiot detector 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They take the exact latitude and longitude of the seat of government of that city, and depending on the scale of the map, place it as accurately as possible.
2006-08-27 23:00:46 · answer #3 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they use landmarks as guide
like the statue of liberty in new york city
the golden gate of san francisco
also where the buildings like the municipal hall or city hall are situated
2006-08-29 06:40:55 · answer #4 · answered by johnny_ceasar 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because usually they pinpoint where the town or cities town hall is. Manhattan's city hall is downtown near the brooklyn bridge area... Go to map quest and type in any city's location and it will take you to their town hall/municipal buildings.
2006-08-26 14:08:43 · answer #5 · answered by jefferson 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
We just get derunk and throw darts at the rough copy map
2006-08-26 21:26:06 · answer #6 · answered by geo3598 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
to the best of my knowledge they put the dot where the city capitol is...
2006-08-26 12:25:44 · answer #7 · answered by dread_siren 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They decide by the use of longitudes and latitudes.
2006-08-26 12:38:47 · answer #8 · answered by Ramesh 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they put it where city hall is
2006-08-27 19:23:09 · answer #9 · answered by LISSA 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋