Method for Cartographic Symbols Creation in Connection with Map Series Digitization

Abstract

The article addresses the issue of the unification of cartographic symbols in terms of graphics (visual) and interpretation in an international context. The motivation is the ongoing digitization of processes in the conditions of Industry 4.0, especially Construction 4.0, where geodesy and cartography have their irreplaceable share. The aim was both to design uniform cartographic symbols for the description of geographical objects on the map and to design a general method for the description of unified cartographic symbols so that it is independent of specific applications. The authors compared the symbols used in the map works of the Czech Republic and neighboring countries that are members of the EU and proposed a formal description of the graphics properties of the symbols, which is based on a general mathematical model. The description takes the form of a text string, and a Python algorithm was built to render the symbol and implemented in the QGIS environment. The article also presents a comparison of some cartographic symbols used in the Czech Republic and in selected EU countries and a proposal for their unification. The motivation is the effort to unify the cartographic language within the EU. The problem is in accordance with the INSPIRE directive (seamless map of Europe) at the international level and with the Digital Czechia 2018+ strategy at the national level.