# cartography

/kɑːtˈɒɡɹəfi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cartography
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

making maps and studying how maps show places and information. You see this word when people talk about old paper maps or modern digital ones.

For teachers: the discipline concerned with the creation, production, and study of maps and spatial representations, including surveying, projection, and symbolization.

## Examples

- She studies cartography to make better maps.
- The museum exhibit shows how cartography changed from hand-drawn maps to digital satellite images.
- Modern cartography blends satellite data, computer design, and careful choices about color and symbols to help people understand complex landscapes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.