GPS for Dummies.pdf - Engineering Surveyor

Chapter 1Getting Started with Digital MapsIn This Chapter Discovering digital maps Using digital maps Discovering types of map programs Understanding the differences between Geographic Information System (GIS) andconsumer mapping programsThis chapter introduces you to the fundamentals of digital maps. You findout what a digital map is, the differences between static and smart digitalmaps, and the different types of programs available for using digital maps.What Is a Digital Map?Any map is a picture of where things are, generally associated with our planetand its geographic or man-made features. Road maps, hiking maps, maps toHollywood stars, and all sorts of other maps provide a sense of place and oftenhelp you get from one place to another.Most maps are printed on paper. That’s pretty convenient. They can be foldedinto a lightweight, compact bundle (if you’ve had a little practice). Digital maps(maps made on a computer or meant to be used with a computer) serve thesame purpose as their paper cousins. It’s just more difficult to fold a CD.Digital mapmaking is a significant leap forward from traditional paper maps. Maps can be made faster, cheaper, and more accurately.This is important because of how quickly new roads, subdivisions, anddevelopment projects pop up in fast-growing urban areas. An old streetmap isn’t much help in a new subdivision with a couple of hundredhomes. The same problem affects political maps; an example is thechange in national names and borders after the end of the Soviet Union. Digital map data can be used with mapping software to make digitalmaps on your personal computer.