Cartography

Summary

The supplied preface, contents, and end matter identify Konstantin Alekseevich Salishchev’s Kartovedenie (Moscow University Press, 1976) as an introductory textbook for cartography students, written to the Moscow University syllabus. Its stated scope covers the subject and methods of cartography and the theoretical foundations of cartographic modelling, including the mathematical basis of maps, generalization, sign systems, and the classification and evaluation of maps and atlases. The contents also list Soviet and foreign topographic, nautical, and thematic maps and comprehensive atlases; cartographic bibliography and information systems; and methods of using maps to investigate spatial distributions, relationships, change, and prediction. Historical chapters address ancient, medieval, early modern, and modern cartography, including Russian, Soviet, and other regional mapping activities and international cooperation. The preface explains that map projections and cartographic research methods receive introductory treatment because separate courses cover them in greater detail, while historical chapters follow the theoretical material. The author stresses the teaching role of classroom demonstrations and students’ independent study of Soviet and foreign maps and atlases in laboratory sessions. The visible end matter includes chapter-specific supplementary readings and subject and personal-name indexes; it does not provide enough substantive chapter text to summarize detailed arguments or conclusions.