Among the things offered by this book are:
*The idea of mediated seeing - systems that intervene between the seer and the thing seen, allowing views not otherwise available.
*Explanation of vertical orthogonal projection, by which the map-viewer is vertically above all points on the represented ground simultaneously.
*Definition of a map: a map is a projectionally modified physical model of the surface-of-zero-elevation of a planet, with added apparitional modeling.
*Explanation of apparitional modeling.
*Differentiation of maps into topographical, and twelve kinds of thematic.
*Explanation of visual metaphor as imagery by which things unseeable, e.g. temperature, are made seeable.
*Application of the idea of homologue and analogue in explanation of various kinds of map imagery.
*Definition of the subject of topographical maps as stopped-time subaerial landscape.
*Definition of landscape.
*A classification of landscape objects.
*Definition of the subjects of thematic maps as localized processes of the universe.
*Division of the signage of maps into signatures, three kinds of symbols, and typography.
*Definition of "symbol" and "signature."
*Methods of providing identity to features on maps: by mimesis, and several kinds of adjectival modifying.
*Analysis of the visual structure of maps into 'layered' components.
*Explanation of the optional transparency of cartographical surfaces.
*Identification of the visual structure of maps with that of trompe-l'oeil art in which represented objects 'protrude' into the viewer's space.
*Time and synchronicity on maps.
* Definition and explanation of generalization.
*Asummary of relief representation.
*The functions of color on maps: adjectival and graphic.
*A description of the three-dimensional variations of holistic color, and a chart of systematic color gradations.
*The idea of continuums, one- two- and three-dimensional, as applied to discussion of graphics and description of space.
*New terminology and tighter definition of old.

Recognized as the classic resource in cartography, this text continues to integrate the latest modern technology with traditional cartographic principles. The balanced author team provides a solid conceptual foundation in the basic principles of cartography while introducing the newest technological advances which have greatly altered modern cartographic techniques. New features include a complete updating of topical data and a shift in emphasis from ``small-scale to all-scale maps.'' Systematic coverage is given to both theory and applications with all basic mapmaking tools presented including formulas, tables and constants.