Map Design for Computer Processing: Literature Review and DMA Product Critique.

A comprehensive review of DMAs standard map and chart products is necessary before DMA converts to digital production. Tradition was prevented product designs from evolving with changing technology. With digital production imminent, some current designs become prohibitively expensive because they rely on subjective or artistic decisions, or because they use nondiscrete processes unsuited to digital methods. To avoid extraordinary expense and delay in procurement, installation, and use of digital equipment, such designs should be replaced by graphic formats that are better suited to computer processing. This study identifies current DMA practices that will resist automation and suggests alternatives. Content and appearance of DMA products have been evaluated following a survey of available research literature. User requirements surveys, performance tests, and psychophysical studies have been applied to a critique of DMAs product line. Originator supplied keywords include Mapping, charting, design process, computer processing.