South America, Central America and Africa. South America, Central America and Africa

520 Pages·1991·53.13 MB·English

by  Rolf Bohme (Eds.)

INVENTORY OF
WORLD TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING
VOLUME 2
South America, Central America and Africa
Compiled by
ROLF BOHME
English Language Editor
ROGER ANSON
Published on behalf of the
INTERNATIONAL CARTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION
by
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© 1991 ELSEVIER SCIENCE PUBLISHERS LTD
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
Inventory of world topographic mapping. Vol. 2: South
America, Central America and Africa.
I. Bohme, Rolf II. International Cartographic
Association
912.09
ISBN 1-85166-661-3
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Bohme, Rolf.
Inventory of world topographic mapping.
Vol. 2: English language editor, Roger Anson.
Includes bibliographical references.
Contents: v. 1. Western Europe, North America,
and Australasia—v. 2. South America, Central
America, and Africa.
1. Topographic maps—Bibliography—Catalogs.
I. International Cartographic Association. II. Title.
Z6028.B575 1989 [GA300] 016.912 89-7760
ISBN 1-85166-357-6 (v. 1)
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Foreword
INVENTORY OF WORLD TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING
Topographic mapping plays a basic and vital role within the extensive field
of cartography. However, in recent years this type of mapping, and also
'classical' cartography, have perhaps become somewhat neglected. It
appears that today the principal areas of interest, and the majority of new
publications, relate primarily to the numerous uses of thematic maps and
the potential afforded by the application of the developing technology of
computer-assisted cartography. This situation may well change in the near
future as a new generation of geographic information systems (GIS) is
gradually introduced worldwide which will require the utilisation of more
accurate topographic base data.
Available literature on topographic mapping is normally restricted to
details concerning the programmes of individual countries, and often
appears in the form of monographs. In many instances the only sources of
information are advertising materials or short national reports presented
to the General Assemblies of the International Cartographic Association
(ICA) or the Regional Cartographic Conferences of the United Nations
(UN). These presentations clearly illustrate that many countries are still
far from possessing complete coverage of their territories, and that the
maintenance of those sheets which are published leaves much to be
desired. When one considers the availability of modern technical means
by which the situation could be remedied it must be concluded that the
present status of world topographic mapping is highly unsatisfactory. The
necessity for maps of this type cannot be over-emphasised. They are
essential tools for use in development projects, resource exploitation, the
planning of construction and infrastructure, recreation, hiking and many
other activities relating to modern life.
Furthermore, topographic maps give a detailed illustration of the
relative degrees of development of areas within a landscape and are thus
unique in demonstrating the cultural status of a country. The nations of
the world which particularly stand out are those which have implemented
systematic plans for the topographic mapping of their territories, and also
recognised the economic value of regular and consistent maintenance of
the series produced. Available and up-to-date coverage is considered
essential by many nations which employ sophisticated modern techniques
to generate appropriate mapping. Finished products may be freely
available for consultation, selectively accessible, or not available to the
general public. Even in countries where topographic maps are 'secret',
Foreword
sample extracts at specified scales are often included as illustrations in
atlases or materials designed for educational purposes. An awareness of
design quality and content is thus engendered, and it is possible to make
comparisons between the products of different nations. The general style
adopted for the representation of topographic features is virtually
universal but a consideration of local differences and the degree of
development of individual states can also be undertaken based on these
extracts.
The willingness of the majority of countries to make available materials
and up-to-date information, essential for the compilation of this work, is
greatly appreciated. It clearly demonstrates that contributors appreciate
the opportunity of demonstrating their abilities with respect to the
production of topographic mapping and their cooperation is gratefully
acknowledged.
Currently there is no other work employing the approach adopted in
assembling this Inventory. Existing publications tend to concentrate on
statistical data but this project includes more detailed descriptive informa
tion which is illustrated with map extracts and indices to the main map
series demonstrating the present state of coverage. The author considers
that an understanding of cartography requires the incorporation of
illustrative graphics rather than merely explanatory text materials relating
to map presentations. It is fully accepted that the amount and extent of a
nation's map coverage is subject to change through time but it is also
believed that, in general, the descriptions contained in this volume will
remain relevant and valid for some years. Map series at large scale
normally consist of a significant number of individual sheets and these
cannot all be modified to be replaced overnight! However, it is also
appreciated that a complete description of all the topographic mapping
activities of each of the included countries can never be presented because
of the unavailability of some information.
The ICA is delighted to have been associated with the proposal to
produce a work of this type. The ICA Publications Committee, under the
Chairmanship of Roger Anson and author Rolf Böhme (a Vice-President
of ICA from 1967 to 1984), have prepared this Inventory in association
with Else vier Science Publishers Ltd. As a non-governmental, scientific
organisation, the ICA, which counts among its cooperating members the
majority of the map-producing countries of the world, considers that it is
its duty to support the preparation of works of this type and to make the
contained information readily available to the public.
D. R. F. Taylor
President, International Cartographic Association
Preface
This work, the second of a three volume ICA series intended to provide
an 'Inventory of World Topographic Mapping', incorporates specific
information relating to the current coverage of states located in South
America, Central America and Africa. The geographical positions of
countries described are illustrated by means of a series of accompanying
reference maps.
Published materials detailing the mapping policies and progress
achieved in many of the territories described were readily available, but in
some instances the acquisition of data proved difficult as its accessibility
was restricted for reasons of national security. Entries relating to nations
have, necessarily, been based on information supplied by individual states
or external production agencies which have undertaken, or been respon
sible for, vast amounts of mapping as part of aid programmes. As many
countries included in the Inventory belong to the so-called 'Third World',
and have only limited mapping capabilities, the information from agencies
was especially important.
Incorporated map extracts and coverage diagrams have been generated
by photographing supplied documents. However, many of these have
varied significantly in terms of character and exhibited graphic quality.
Some materials were supplied merely as photocopies or half-tone originals
(orthophotos), whilst others were received in a multi-colour, printed
form. An enormous debt of gratitude is owed to the production staff of
Elsevier Science Publishers who have experimented and struggled to
produce acceptable monochrome results from originals of extremely
variable quality!
Since the publication of 'Volume 1 (Western Europe, North America
and Australasia)' much useful experience has been gained. It is now
considered that typographical errors have been obviated, or at least
minimised, and that the presentation of non-Roman lettering has been
improved to surpass the standards exhibited by originally supplied
examples.
Completion of the work would have proved impossible without the
considerable assistance of mapping agencies, worldwide, who replied in
detail to letters of enquiry and subsequently approved relevant manu
scripts. In particular, the greatly valued help of the following must be
acknowledged: the Infrastructure Branch, Natural Resources and Energy
Division, Department of Technical Cooperation for Development, UN;
OS International (Southampton); IGN (Paris); US Geological Survey;
DMA-TC; the Institut für Angewandte Geodäsie (If AG) in Frankfurt am
Main (automatic drawing of maps of continents); and the Internationales
vii
Vlll Preface
Landkartenhaus (ILH), Stuttgart, who provided commercially available
and current information.
Numerous individuals also contributed to preparation of the content of
this publication, but special mention must be made of the invaluable
expertise kindly provided by Mr. R. T. Porter (OS International), Mr. M.
Bacchus (IGN), Dr. J. L. Morrison (USGS) and Mr. R. Randall
(DMA-TC). Included maps were produced by Mr. P. G. Hay ward of the
School of Geography, University of Oxford. Thanks are extended to all
who provided support and encouragement, thus enabling the successful
completion of Volume 2.
Rolf Bohme
General Comments
THE USA's CONTRIBUTION TO THE
TOPOGRAPHICAL MAPPING OF CENTRAL AND
SOUTH AMERICAN STATES
Prior to World War II comparatively few South American countries, with
the exception of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay, had
initiated topographical surveys of their territories. In 1928 the Pan
American Institute of Geography and History (PAIGH) was established
and undertook the compilation of map series depicting Hispanic America
at a scale of 1:1 000 000. This conformed to the specifications formulated
for the International Map of the World on the Millionth Scale (IMW),
and for a considerable time provided the only reliable map source for
Latin America.
The USA embarked upon an extensive survey of Central and South
America after World War II. In 1946 the Inter American Geodetic Survey
(IAGS) was set up, based at Fort Clayton in the Panama Canal Zone, and
initiated the MAPPLAN programme. Basic geodetic and photogram-
metric work was undertaken, with the assistance of the then US Army
Map Service (AMS), in all of the region's states with the exception of
Argentina and Uruguay. The complete geodetic base became available in
1954, and topographic mapping was started at the 1:50 000 and 1:250 000
scales. Resultant sheets conform to the well known AMS style, and were
reproduced by this body until national mapping organisations were able,
with the assistance of AMS, to take over the work. A remarkable
inventory of the progress of the survey within the individual states was
compiled by the Pan American Union and published, in 1964-66, as the
'Annotated indexes of aerial photographic coverage and mapping of
topography and natural resources'—this unfortunately was a 'one-off'
product.
PAIGH's Cartography Commission was again active in 1979, and
formulated a mapping project at 1:250 000 relating to the generation of a
Unified Hemispheric Mapping Series. This was scheduled to provide
coverage of the whole of the western hemisphere, with approximately
1500 sheets being devoted to Central and South America. Existing
national series at this scale will be integrated into the programme. The
first sheets were issued in 1980, and the project was originally planned for
completion in eight years. However, this proved to be an impossible task
and coverage is still far from complete.
l
2 General Comments
A number of different styles are evident within the 1:250 000 series.
The earliest sheets (America Central and America del Sur) correspond to
USGS specifications; later, those of the ground and air versions of the US
Defence Mapping Agency (DMA) were adopted; and most recently the
Unified Hemispheric Mapping Series policies have been employed. As a
result, different styles are evident within national map series.
IAGS was reorganized in 1989 and is now managed by the Defense
Mapping Agency (DMA) Hydrographic/Topographic Center and is
located near Washington, DC.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Whitmore, G. D. (1961). Topographic mapping in the Americas. In 2nd UN
Regional Cartographic Conf. for Asia and the Far East, Tokyo, 1958, Vol. 2.
United Nations, New York.
General Comments
Hammer, J. E. (1963). Mapping operations in Central and South America.
Surveying and Mapping 4.
Freeman, P. H., Peacock, H. L. & Weil, P. J. (1963). An inventory of Latin
American Mapping. Bulletin of Special Libraries Association, Geography and
Map Division, Washington, DC, no. 53.
PAU (1964-66). Annotated Indexes of Aerial Photographic Coverage and
Mapping of Topography and Natural Resources in the Latin American Member
Countries of the OAS. Pan American Union, Department of Economic Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Bailey, J. (1970). Mapping the Americas: A summary. The Military Engineer, no.
410.
PAIGH (1978). User Survey for the 1:250000 Scale Unified Hemispheric
Topographic Mapping Program. Pan American Institute of Geography and
History, Mexico City.
Larsgaard, M. L. (1984). Topographic Mapping of the Americas, Australia and
New Zealand. Libraries Unlimited Inc., Littleton, CO.
THE UK's CONTRIBUTION TO THE
TOPOGRAPHICAL MAPPING OF BRITISH, AND
FORMERLY BRITISH, TERRITORIES IN CENTRAL
AND SOUTH AMERICA AND AFRICA
(1) Local survey departments were established in many British overseas
territories before the outbreak of World War II but only in the bigger
ones, such as Nigeria, had any large scale surveys been undertaken.
(2) Before the war the production of small scale general maps, such as
the British East African Series at 1:250 000 and the International Map of
the World on the Millionth Scale (IMW), was significant. However, due
to the differing qualities of available source materials for use during
compilation, these series were somewhat inconsistent in content. Most of
the sheets were compiled by the Geographical Section of the General Staff
(GSGS) which, after the war, was renamed the Directorate of Military
Survey (D. Mil. Svy.).
(3) After World War II there was an urgent need for accurate
topographical mapping for use to the economic development of the
territories. In 1946 the Directorate of Colonial Surveys (DCS) was
established near London and started systematic topographic mapping,
based on aerial photography. This was normally at a scale of 1:50 000, but
in smaller countries 1:25 000 was also employed. The basic scales of
1:62 500 and 1:125 000 which were used before the war were soon
discontinued. DCS was renamed the Directorate of Overseas Surveys
(DOS) in 1957, and in 1984 was merged with the Ordnance Survey in
Southampton, UK. It is now known as the Overseas Surveys Directorate,
Ordnance Survey (OSD/OS), and since 1 April, OS International.
(4) Normally map sheets were produced and published by DOS, but
reproduction materials were also sent to the appropriate overseas survey
departments; many survey departments were thus able to produce reprints
or revised editions of DOS maps. DOS continued working in most
countries after they gained their independence, but other aid donors also
contributed to the regular mapping series, while the national survey
departments in many countries have produced new as well as revised
mapping. While DOS continued to produce 1:50 000 mapping, there was
also increasing demand for larger scales ranging from 1:10 000 up to
General Comments
Hammer, J. E. (1963). Mapping operations in Central and South America.
Surveying and Mapping 4.
Freeman, P. H., Peacock, H. L. & Weil, P. J. (1963). An inventory of Latin
American Mapping. Bulletin of Special Libraries Association, Geography and
Map Division, Washington, DC, no. 53.
PAU (1964-66). Annotated Indexes of Aerial Photographic Coverage and
Mapping of Topography and Natural Resources in the Latin American Member
Countries of the OAS. Pan American Union, Department of Economic Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Bailey, J. (1970). Mapping the Americas: A summary. The Military Engineer, no.
410.
PAIGH (1978). User Survey for the 1:250000 Scale Unified Hemispheric
Topographic Mapping Program. Pan American Institute of Geography and
History, Mexico City.
Larsgaard, M. L. (1984). Topographic Mapping of the Americas, Australia and
New Zealand. Libraries Unlimited Inc., Littleton, CO.
THE UK's CONTRIBUTION TO THE
TOPOGRAPHICAL MAPPING OF BRITISH, AND
FORMERLY BRITISH, TERRITORIES IN CENTRAL
AND SOUTH AMERICA AND AFRICA
(1) Local survey departments were established in many British overseas
territories before the outbreak of World War II but only in the bigger
ones, such as Nigeria, had any large scale surveys been undertaken.
(2) Before the war the production of small scale general maps, such as
the British East African Series at 1:250 000 and the International Map of
the World on the Millionth Scale (IMW), was significant. However, due
to the differing qualities of available source materials for use during
compilation, these series were somewhat inconsistent in content. Most of
the sheets were compiled by the Geographical Section of the General Staff
(GSGS) which, after the war, was renamed the Directorate of Military
Survey (D. Mil. Svy.).
(3) After World War II there was an urgent need for accurate
topographical mapping for use to the economic development of the
territories. In 1946 the Directorate of Colonial Surveys (DCS) was
established near London and started systematic topographic mapping,
based on aerial photography. This was normally at a scale of 1:50 000, but
in smaller countries 1:25 000 was also employed. The basic scales of
1:62 500 and 1:125 000 which were used before the war were soon
discontinued. DCS was renamed the Directorate of Overseas Surveys
(DOS) in 1957, and in 1984 was merged with the Ordnance Survey in
Southampton, UK. It is now known as the Overseas Surveys Directorate,
Ordnance Survey (OSD/OS), and since 1 April, OS International.
(4) Normally map sheets were produced and published by DOS, but
reproduction materials were also sent to the appropriate overseas survey
departments; many survey departments were thus able to produce reprints
or revised editions of DOS maps. DOS continued working in most
countries after they gained their independence, but other aid donors also
contributed to the regular mapping series, while the national survey
departments in many countries have produced new as well as revised
mapping. While DOS continued to produce 1:50 000 mapping, there was
also increasing demand for larger scales ranging from 1:10 000 up to