JOURNALISTIC MAPS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Maps in the mass media seldom received the kind of attention given to other types of published maps. Despite the greater exposure they have to the laymen, the quality of journalistic maps with respect to the ability of the maps to communicate information as well as their aesthetic appeal is rarely the concern of investigative research in cartography. Hence, the aims of this study are two-fold. First, to disseminate more information about journalistic maps, especially those found in this part of the world. Second, to examine the quality of these maps on the basis of the principles of cartography. The study reveals several distinctive characteristics about maps found in two local newspapers, The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao, with regards to the frequency of the maps, their state of appearance, the map size characteristics and their subject matters. In terms of function and style, most of the maps are found to be of the locative and the normal orthologonal types. From the facts gathered through the interviews, the factors that influence the final design of the maps are also discussed. Five factors were identified, namely, the map initiator, the map objectives, the economics, data and technicals, the standards, rules and norms, and the map maker. Given the fact that journalistic maps greatly influence the laymen's spatial perception and geographical understanding of the earth, questions about the quality of the maps are therefore of paramount importance. Here, two issues need to be tackled, namely effective communication in maps and the map's aesthetic appeal. Few things were unravelled from the results of the assessment on the maps. Basically, most of the maps were found to have fulfilled their communicative role though generally they lack aesthetic appeal which is partly a result of poor workmanship and the lack of basic cartographic knowledge on the part of the map makers. The results also show that maps in The Straits Times are generally better in quality than those in Lianhe Zaobao. Hence, to improve on the general quality of the maps, it is suggested that there be some form of training for the map makers, more control for the maps makers over the production of the maps and concerted efforts in improving the existing map making techniques and aesthetic aspects.