ABSTRACT
Stylistic diversity in European State 1:50 000 topographic maps addresses exactly how variation is reflected in mapping and provides the evidence. Kent and Vujakovic anchor their analysis to the recognition that style reflects local, pragmatic needs, and that a typological approach can unpack similarities and differences. They use the legends deployed in printed 1:50 000 scale civilian maps from a sample of 20 European national mapping agencies as a source for classifying map symbologies. Slovenian maps deployed most symbols, Irish the least. Most symbols related to human or artificial features. Hierarchical cluster analysis sets up the identification of seven different 'groups' of countries with similar mixes of symbols. Kent and Vujakovic reflect that similarities emerge, but that these in particular depend upon the level of analysis. They conclude that topographic mapping in their sample 'exhibits a rich diversity of cartographic styles'.
