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Technology
Abstract
Standardised Toponymic Informations for cartographic and other products: An application of GPS
Dr. Hari Shanker Gupta
Department of Geography University College,M. D. University Rohtak, 124001,Haryana India
Tel.No.: ++91-1262-59076 (R),++91-1262-74955 (O), FAX: ++91-1262 –74640
E-MAIL: harishankergupta@yahoo.com, hari_shanker2001@rediffmail.com
Abstract
Geographic names are often hard to model in a Geographic Information System and the database thus generated. Sometimes they can be understood as well defined attributes of a well-defined geographic object, but often even pointing out or outlining these objects is difficult in the real world. Nevertheless, these standardized geographical names must be included in the database, at least for the cartographic reasons. In most GIS implementations the place names seem to form a layer of their own, with no tighter connection to the (possible) actual geographic objects in the database than location and classification. Toponyms have attracted cartographic research not only but to their linguistic material but also by reason of their function in communication. Since the first map appeared, cartographers have borrowed toponyms for a natural language as symbols of individual objects. Hence all the toponymic research in cartography concerns the relation between a toponym and its objects, separated by any feature from its surroundings. The separating role played by features has caused an object to become an individual and received a proper name, i.e. toponym. Hence research into toponymic objects besides other objects should commence by examining the characteristic features of these objects. In accordance with the “United Nations Agenda for the standardization of Geographical Names”, E/CONF.94/CRP.1-101, It is very much of interest for the cartographers. The application of GPS for collection, processing and maintenance of standardized toponymic information in GIS environs and other types of database may be useful to cartographers. This information can be processed and preserved in the form of Gazetteers and maps. Further this information can be superimposed on the maps and other database generated through GPS, GIS and other formats. This technique is not only time saving but also cheap and compatible to other techniques as well. The updating can be done through checks and monitoring for the preparation of new editions of the cartographic products
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