Thematic Cartography and Remote Sensing

Thematic cartography has taken a place of a movement in India. Thematic maps and atlases are now being considered as an end product of a major academic, scientific and planning activities. Individuals and institutions who were marginally interested in this applied field are now taking much interest. The progress of thematic cartography is not only linked with the development in the related disciplines, but also due to the technological impact it is facing or likely to face. The specialisation of the thematic contents in maps and technological options have proved to be complimentary to each other. Remote sensing has come in a big way. Within last 2 decades, the scenario related to remote sensing has witnessed rapid changes. The data provided by each new satellite and sensor have been better, particularly the resolution. The software solutions now provide a lot options which are closer to the requirements of thematic cartography. The concepts like the Geographical Information System provide a basis for a better integration of thematic cartography with remote sensing. The objective of the present volume is to consider the issues and challenges involved and to discuss the technological options and solutions. This volume has an additional objective, i.e. to felicitate Dr. G.K. Dutt, ex-Director of the National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organisation, Kolkata. His role in introducing technological innovations in thematic cartography has been exceptional. The volume would be useful for the geographers, cartographers technologists, space application scientists and experts engaged in software development. It would also be a valuable addition in the cartographic and remote sensing institutions.