June, 1996 (Vol. 25, No. 1)
Special Feature
Eldred, P. (1996) Geographic Information Systems: Are we on the right road?, Cartography, Vol. 25, No. 1.
Refereed Papers
Williams, R.J. (1996) Cartography: A New Era Has Begun, Cartography, Vol. 25, No. 1.
Prescott, D.F. and Jones, A.D. (1996) The Digital Dilemma : The Role of Australian Libraries in Accessing Digital Spatial Data, Cartography, Vol. 25, No. 1.
Halls, I.W. and Furness, R.A. (1996) Electronic Navigation Charting: An Australian Perspective, Cartography, Vol. 25, No. 1.
Contemporary Cartography Papers
Dickson, P. (1996) TE IKA A MAUI and TE WAI POUNAMU: Modern Maps of New Zealand Showing Maori Names, Relief and VegetationTypes Circa 1840, Cartography, Vol. 25, No. 1.
Cartwright, W. (1996) Hardware, Software and Staffing Requirements of Multimedia Cartography: An update, Cartography, Vol. 25, No. 1.
Featherstone, W.E. and Barrington, T.R. (1996) A Microsoft Windows-based Package to Transform Coordinates to the Geocentric Datum of Australia, Cartography, Vol. 25, No. 1.
Geographic Information Systems: Are we on the right road?
Pamela Eldred
Registrar, Supreme Court of Western Australia
Stirling Gardens
Perth Western Australia 6000
Abstract
With the escalating use of and investment in geographic information systems, questions are being asked with increasing frequency as to how much protection existing
law affords to such databases. This article is intended as an introduction to general copyright principles as they apply to databases generally and to geographic
information systems in particular. It focuses on the fundamental principle that copyright does not protect ideas, facts or information but only a particular author's
expression of those ideas, facts or information. The issues are illustrated by reference to specific cases which are reviewed, and current developments in the law in
Australia and overseas.
This article is based on a paper presented to the 1995 WALIS Forum when the author held the position of Senior Assistant Crown Solicitor, Crown Solicitor's Office, Perth, Western Australia.
Cartography: A New Era Has Begun
Robert J Williams, MMSIA
Information Technology Division
Defence Science and Technology Organisation
PO Box 1500
Salisbury SA 5108
email: Bob.Williams@dsto.defence.gov.au
Abstract
Cartography is amongst the oldest of the scientific disciplines and has developed a distinct body of theory and practice. Technologies may well have changed
drammatically over the past two thousand years but the requirement to represent and communicate geospatial information remains as valid today as it was thousands
of years ago.
This paper reviews the trends in cartography and attempts to place Australian initiatives and activities into context. The paper suggests that a new era has begun due
mainly to institutional changes, government directives and a change in world order.
Many may argue that cartography is outdated and no longer relevant. I contend that, whilst the name may no longer be fashionable, the science and discipline itself is
as relevant today as it has ever been - perhaps more so!
The Digital Dilemma : The Role of Australian Libraries in Accessing Digital Spatial Data
Dorothy F Prescott, MIMSA
Map Information & Research, Map Library Management
44 Lucas Street
East Brighton, Victoria 3187
Alan D. Jones, MIMSA
Department of Geography & Planning
University of New England
Armidale, NSW 2351
Abstract
This paper reviews some of the problems and suggests possible solutions related to the provision and use of digital spatial data in libraries. The availability and cost
of digital data represents a significant problem for most libraries. Map libraries are important repositories for hard copy maps and their future in a digital world must
be in doubt if current pricing policies are continued. There is an urgent need for user friendly, low cost software to display spatial data. A standardised library use
licence is needed. Copyright laws must address the problems created by the electronic revolution. Procedures must ensure that digital data are archived and stored
before current working tapes are updated. The question of the relevance of 'public good' concepts relating to digital spatial data must also be addressed.
Electronic Navigation Charting: An Australian Perspective
Ian W. Halls
Manager, Hydrographic Operations
Hydrographic Sciences Australia Pty. Ltd.
PO Box 6185
North Sydney NSW 2060
Ronald A. Furness, FMSIA
Head Branch Transition
Hydrographic Service, Royal Australian Navy
Locked Bag 8801
South Coast Mail Centre NSW 2521
Abstract
The grounding of two vessels in Tasmanian waters over the past twelve months has raised issues concerning the need to improve navigation safety in Australian
waters. It is widely thought within the maritime industry that it is only a matter of time before a major accident occurs, perhaps in or near the Great Barrier Reef. The
two Tasmanian accidents involving vessels of different sizes and function (ie. pleasure and commercial), could probably have been avoided given the navigation
technology that is now emerging.
TE IKA A MAUI and TE WAI POUNAMU: Modern Maps of New Zealand Showing Maori Names, Relief and VegetationTypes Circa 1840
Phil Dickson
Project Coordinator Geographic Names Database
Department of Surveying and Land Information
103-115 Thorndon Quay
Wellington, New Zealand
Abstract
The publication of two maps of New Zealand showing Maori place names as at 1840, completed a project started over 50 years ago. The original maps were to
have been produced at the time of the Centennial Exhibition marking 100 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Fortunately, much of the
compilation material had been archived.
By adopting the project, the New Zealand Geographic Board was able to integrate recent principles of the Maori Language Commission in the way Maori names
are shown in order to aid their pronunciation.
Publication of the maps showing Maori names, relief and vegetation in a historical context provided new challenges for the Geographic Board of New Zealand. This
paper reflects upon the challenges presented and the solutions developed in order to produce this unique and important historical document.
Hardware, Software and Staffing Requirements of Multimedia Cartography: An update
William Cartwright, MMSIA
Department of Land Information
RMIT University
GPO Box 2476V
Melbourne, VIC 3001 Australia
E-mail: w.cartwright@rmit.edu.au
Abstract
Cartographers are using multimedia to produce different mapping products. The ability to design and produce a product containing graphics, sound and video offers
a medium which can be used to present spatial information in exciting ways. Additional facilities which allow users to interact with the map, and to use the product in
the way it suits them best, empowers users to fully exploit the potential of digital mapping.
This paper outlines the elements of multimedia production - hardware, software and personnel; and elaborates on the range of products available for product development.
A version of this paper was presented at the International Cartographic Association Seminar on Teaching Animated Cartography, Madrid, August/September 1, 1995.
A Microsoft Windows-based Package to Transform Coordinates to the Geocentric Datum of Australia
Will E Featherstone, MAIC and Thomas R Barrington
School of Surveying and Land Information
Curtin University of Technology
GPO Box U1987 Perth WA 6845
Abstract
A coordinate transformation software package has been developed, using Microsoft Visual BASICTM, which operates under the Microsoft WindowsTM
environment. It is capable of transforming geographic data from the existing Australian Geodetic Datum to the new Geocentric Datum of Australia as outlined in an
earlier paper in Cartography. The software offers the option to transform single coordinates interactively, or to transform a digital file of up to 250 positions in one
minute on a 486DX (50MHz) processor. It can also transform coordinates between other geodetic datums, provided that the necessary transformation parameters
are available.
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