ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the variation in how state topographic maps produced by different countries symbolize their subject — the national landscape. It investigates the way in which this landscape is classified through an analysis of state 1:50 000 topographical mapping in 20 European countries. The method involves the construction of a typology of cartographic style, based upon the classification of distinct graphical legend symbols into mutually exclusive thematic categories. In order to provide a more holistic comparison of cartographic style, the classification of symbols is complemented by a comparison of elements which have a considerable impact on the map's overall appearance: colour, 'white' space, visual hierarchy, and lettering. In terms of visual hierarchy, features that are classified in more detail tend to be symbolized to exhibit more prominence and road symbols are generally the most dominant type of feature on European 1:50 000 topographic maps.
