Mapping Manual 2019

Message from the Surveyor General

I am privileged to introduce the Mapping Manual which fulfils long term vacuum
existed in s the map production line of the Survey Department. This exemplary text
book is designed to cover up the documentation in mapping standards and correct
technical map process. The Mapping Manual is a product of a dedicated and
determined professionals committed to preparation of maps. The mapping manual
will also function as the guideline for the Map Technological Officers to gather
necessary qualification in their mapping career.

Since the mapping technologies are developing rapidly with the new technological
innovations, I recommend that this mapping manual should be revised periodically in
the future.

S.M.P.P. Sangakkara
Surveyor General
October 2019

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Preface

The survey department has been actively engaged in national mapping throughout last
two centuries. During this long period survey department has produced wide spectrum
of map series such as topographical maps, provincial maps, tourist maps and thematic
maps such as maps showing natural resources, precipitation, electoral districts and
thematic maps for the national atlas. Map making process is being carried out through
several production steps, starting from data collection, creation of database,
generalization, cartographic enhancement, designing map layout, symbolization and
finally map printing. Each production step is carried out by specific technical branch.
Conventionally each technical branch is responsible for setting technical
specifications and ensuring maintaining of technical standards of the map production
component assigned to the branch. It was highlighted the lack of a published standard
document covering entire scope of map production with essential technical
specification. The “Mapping Manual” is prepared to fulfil requirement mentioned
above.

Mapping Manual was designed to cover the history of map production, types of maps
prepared by the survey department and technical standards to be maintained in order
to prepare a qualitative map.

I would like to convey my gratefulness to the staff involved in preparation of this

manual, especially the surveyor general for his continuous guidance, Senior DSG
(Mapping and Geo-names), Senior Supdt. of Surveys (Mapping and Geo-names) and
all other senior officers and the mapping staff who contributed generously for
publishing this mapping manual in numerous ways.

S.D.P.J. Dampegama
Additional Surveyor General (Central)
October, 2019

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Table of Contents
Message from Surveyor General ............................................................................................ i
Preface ................................................................................................................................... ii
1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Evolution of mapping .................................................................................. 1
2.0 Types of Maps................................................................................................................ 3
2.1 Topographic Maps (National Map Series) ....................................................................... 3
2.1.1 One Inch to One Mile Map Series ............................................................... 3
2.1.2 1:50,000 Topographical Map Series ............................................................ 4
2.1.3 1:10,000 Topographical Map Series ............................................................ 5
2.1.4 1: 250, 000 Topographic Map ..................................................................... 5
2.2 Thematic Maps................................................................................................................. 5
2.2.1 Traveller’s Map of Sri Lanka on the scale of 1:500,000 ............................. 6
2.2.2 Town Maps .................................................................................................. 6
2.2.3 Land Use Maps in Scale of 1:100,000......................................................... 6
2.2.4 District maps................................................................................................ 6
2.2.5 Province Maps ............................................................................................. 7
2.2.6 Thematic maps for National Parks .......................................................................... 7
2.3 Custom Tailored Maps ..................................................................................................... 7
2.3.1 School Maps ................................................................................................ 7
2.3.2 Police Area Maps ........................................................................................ 7
2.3.3 DS Division/GN Division Maps .................................................................. 7
2.3.4 Medical Officer of Health Area Maps ......................................................... 7
2.3.5 Other Custom Tailored Maps ...................................................................... 7
3.0 Map Production Process ...................................................................................................... 8
3.1 The first Ground Survey approach for National Mapping ............................................... 8
3.2 First photogrammetric approach (Stereo Photogrammetry) for National Mapping ......... 8
3.3 Current Spatial data sources and acquisition methods for mapping ................................ 8
3.3.1 Stereo Aerial photos for stereo plotting ....................................................... 9
3.3.2 Space Borne Images .................................................................................... 9
3.3.3 Point Cloud by LiDAR Surveys .................................................................. 9
3.3.4 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data ....................................................... 9
3.3.5 Ground Survey Methods............................................................................ 10
3.4 Use of Topographic databases for Mapping .............................................. 10
3.5 Verification of Feature Data ...................................................................... 10

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3.6 Coordinate Reference Systems Adopted in Mapping................................ 11

3.7 Map projection .......................................................................................... 12
3.7.1 Creation of Map Projection ....................................................................... 12
3.7.2 Map Projection Categories ........................................................................ 12
3.7.3 Orientation of the Projection ..................................................................... 13
3.7.4 Transverse Mercator’s Projection.............................................................. 13
3.8 Map Generalization ................................................................................... 14
3.8.1 Generalization processes ........................................................................... 14
3.8.2 Generalization approaches......................................................................... 15
4.0 Key Components of Maps ........................................................................................... 16
4.1 Map Details ............................................................................................... 16
4.2 Scales ......................................................................................................... 16
4.3 Symbols used for 50k Topographic Maps ................................................. 16
4.3.1 Roads, Railways and related Data ............................................................. 16
4.3.2 Hydrographical Features ........................................................................... 18
4.4 Symbols used for 10k and 50k Topographic Maps ................................... 29
4.5 Colour ............................................................................................................................ 29
4.5.1 Colour Basics .......................................................................................................... 29
4.5.2 Colour Models ........................................................................................................ 35
4.5.3 Colour Choices........................................................................................................ 37
4.6 Symbols used for other Thematic Maps .................................................... 39
4.7 Map Colours .............................................................................................. 40
4.8 Map Abbreviations .................................................................................... 40
4.9 Marginal Information ................................................................................ 41
4.9.1. Series name and the Scale ......................................................................... 41
4.9.2. Edition Number ......................................................................................... 41
4.9.3. Sheet Name................................................................................................ 41
4.9.4. Sheet Number ............................................................................................ 41
4.9.5 Publisher’s note ......................................................................................... 42
4.9.6 Other marginal Information ....................................................................... 42
4.10 Accuracy of Maps...................................................................................... 43
4.10.1. Graphical resolution .................................................................................. 43
4.10.2. Map accuracy standards ............................................................................ 44
5.0 Quality Control ............................................................................................................ 44
5.1 Quality Control Procedures ....................................................................... 45
5.1.1 Map Layout ............................................................................................... 45

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5.1.2 Map Data ................................................................................................... 45

5.1.3 Enhancement and Name placement ........................................................... 45
5.1.4 Legend and Colours................................................................................... 45
6.0 Printing Process ........................................................................................................... 46
7.0 Map Dissemination Methods ....................................................................................... 47
7.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 47
7.2 Printed Map Dissemination Methods ........................................................ 47
7.3 Digital Map Dissemination Methods......................................................... 48
Appendix I – 1:10k and 1:50k Symbol Library ....................................................................... 49
Appendix II – Topographical 10k data Structure..................................................................... 56
Appendix III – Abbreviations .................................................................................................. 65
Glossary ................................................................................................................................... 66
Glossary of GIS Terms ........................................................................................................ 66
Glossary of Cartographic Terms .......................................................................................... 70
Glossary of Remote Sensing ................................................................................................ 79
Reference ................................................................................................................................. 81

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List of Figures

Figure 1.1 (a) Ptolemy’s map, (b) A map made by Dutch ......................................................... 2

Figure 2. 1 (a) Sheet Layout of One Inch Series, (b) One Inch Map Sheet (Part of) ................. 4
Figure 2. 2 (a) Sheet layout of 1:50,000 Topographic Sheets, (b) Part of 1:50,000 Map sheet . 4
Figure 2. 3 Spatial layout of 1: 10k sheets on 1:50K ................................................................. 5

Figure 3.1 Represents a Transverse Mercator projection of the world with a standard meridian
at 0° longitude. (Note that because of the very small size of the map, the graticule is shown at
30° resolution.)......................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 3. 2 Ladder approach (left) and Star approach (right) .................................................. 15

Figure 4. 1 Value ..................................................................................................................... 30

Figure 4. 2 Use of Colour to Provide Meaning ........................................................................ 31
Figure 4. 3 Use of Colour to Provide Emphasis ...................................................................... 32
Figure 4. 4 Use of Colour to Provide Aesthetics ..................................................................... 33
Figure 4. 5 Use of Colour to Provide Abstraction ................................................................... 34
Figure 4. 6 World Map............................................................................................................. 35
Figure 4. 7 Additive Colour Models: (a) RGB, (b) HSL, and (c) HSV ................................... 36
Figure 4. 8 Subtractive Colour Model: CMYK ....................................................................... 37
Figure 4. 9 Colour Wheel......................................................................................................... 38
Figure 4. 10 Warm (Orange) and Cool (Blue) Colours ........................................................... 38
Figure 4. 11 Increasing Colour Values .................................................................................... 39

Figure 6. 1 Printing Process ..................................................................................................... 46

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1.0 Introduction
Since the inception of the mapping process in the Survey Department there was no
systematic manual prepared for mapping until 1980s. In 1979, Agricultural Base
Mapping Project (ABMP) started to replace one inch topographical map sheets and to
cover entire country in 1: 50,000 scale topographical maps. Sciambi (1979), senior
technical advisor to ABMP project, had prepared a manual exclusively for ABMP
mapping, widely known as Bruno’s Report of which the title is “BASIC
CARTOGRAPHIC PRINCIPLES”. A new project was commenced in 2010, to cover
the Northern Province in 1:10,000 scale topographical mapping in collaboration with
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA, 2012). Survey Department and JICA
jointly prepared a report for 1:10,000 mapping for Northern Province mapping project.
The final report of the project “The Digital Topographic Mapping Project for
Reconstruction of Northern Region” was published in 2012. However, these two
manuals were prepared to meet goals in two specific topographical mapping projects.
In contrast the Survey Department had published plenty of diverse maps with the
knowledge and the experience of the officers who had been engaged in mapping over
the last two centuries. Most common among them was “One Inch” Topographical
Series completed in 1925 covering entire country in 72 map tiles.

In order to specifically define the procedures and methodologies including

cartographic enhancements of topographic maps, thematic maps and the customised
maps produced by the Survey Department, Surveyor General of Sri Lanka Survey
Department took an important decision to initiate a manual for mapping standards in
2017. Mandate for national mapping activities under the Sri Lanka by Survey Act No.
17 of 2002 is vested to the Surveyor General and his directive is to compile mapping
manual to standardize content and the design of different types of maps including
visual representation techniques of spatial features and their related attributes.

The mapping manual defines all steps beginning from map manufacturing process to
the production of printed or digital maps, including the application of map
generalization techniques and cartographic enhancement methods using a variety of
symbols and abbreviations along with different map layouts.

These standards of representing features and information on maps are applied to all
topographical thematic maps and Atlases which are published in the Survey
Department. It should be mentioned that any new symbol/abbreviation created for a
feature, which is supposed to be represented on a map on a request by any stakeholder
or private party should be adopted only with the discretion of the Surveyor General.

1.1 Evolution of mapping

The earliest cartographic representation of Sri Lanka was Ptolemy’s map of the Island
published in 150 AD, where Sri Lanka was identified as Taprobana, was an island
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positioned close to the tip of the western coast of Southern India. Later, artistic maps
of Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon) were drawn by the Dutch cartographers in the 17th
and 18th century using more scientific cartographic techniques. Subsequently the
British played an instrumental role in carrying out surveys and publishing series of
maps in Sri Lanka in the 19th century.

The British published accurate maps of the island colony titled ‘One inch to 4 miles
map of Ceylon’ for the first time in 1840. By 1897, the foundation for ‘topographical
mapping’ was laid down after the Triangulation of Ceylon was completed. In 1924, a
total of 72 maps, on a scale of 1 inch to 1 mile were released. These maps not only
depicted relief features but also contained cultural features, geographical names,
administrative boundaries, contours etc. The 72 maps required to cover the entire
island were drawn on the basis of plane table surveys, which was a conventional
ground survey technique. Within next 25 years, old methods gave way to new
technologies after Sri Lanka gained independence from British in 1948. Aerial
surveys carried to cover the entire island were conducted in 1956 on the scale of
1:40,000. The establishment of the Institute of Surveying and Mapping in the year
1969 paved the path to cover the formal training in mapping.

Figure 1.1 (a) Ptolemy’s map, (b) A map made by Dutch

The first edition of maps drawn on a metric scale of 1:50,000 were completed
between 1985 and 1996 with the help of extensive ground and aerial surveys. These
maps were simply an updated version of the 1 inch to1 mile series, though on a metric
scale. In 1988, the first National Atlas of Sri Lanka was published. By 1992, digital
data compilation was introduced using photogrammetric techniques on aerial
photographs. In 1983, a satellite image mosaic map of the country having a scale of
1:500,000 was published using LANDSAT 8 satellite images and it was further

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updated in 1992 using IRS 1B LISS II imagery acquired from the National Remote
Sensing Agency, India.

2.0 Types of Maps

There are mainly two types of maps produced by the Survey Department; topographic
maps and thematic maps. Topographic maps usually depict basic elements of spatial
information such as land use, hydrographical features, transport features, contours,
place names etc., and contains general information. Thematic map are based on a
single topic such as geology, soil, population etc.

2.1 Topographic Maps (National Map Series)

A topographic map is a graphic representation to scale, showing horizontal and

vertical topographic features of some portion of the earth’s surface, systematically
plotted on a plane surface.

A national map series is a group of topographic maps usually having the same scale
and cartographic specifications, and with each sheet appropriately identified by its
publisher.
Map series take place when an area is to be covered is considerably large to represent
by a single map sheet due to its scale. In order to overcome this problem area is
represented by systematic grid of interlased individual maps known as tiles. But each
map sheet (Tile) can be used independently as a full pledge map.

2.1.1 One Inch to One Mile Map Series

The first complete topographical cover for the country was one inch to one mile map
series endured over a long period from 1897 and completed in 1925. These map series
was periodically revised until 1972.

Figure 2.1 (a) shows the sheet layout for the one-inch series and Figure 2.1(b) shows a
part of one-inch map sheet.

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Figure 2. 1 (a) Sheet Layout of One Inch Series, (b) One Inch Map Sheet (Part of)

2.1.2 1:50,000 Topographical Map Series

In 1970 the Government of Sri Lanka decided to adopt the metric system (SI). This
involved fundamental changes in the work of the Survey Department, with regard to
surveying and mapping. It was decided to create a completely new map series of the
country on a metric scale of 1:50,000 (with 20 meter contours), replacing One Inch
series, in order to meet planning needs for the country’s self-sufficiency in food. Each
1: 50, 000 map sheet of the new series was to cover an area of 40 km x 25 km
covering 1000 km2 in area with 20m contour interval. This series was published under
the Agricultural Base Mapping Project (ABMP). Figure 2.2(a) shows the sheet layout
for the 1:50,000 map series and Figure 2.2(b) shows a portion of a 1:50, 000 map
sheet.

Figure 2. 2 (a) Sheet layout of 1:50,000 Topographic Sheets, (b) Part of 1:50,000 Map sheet

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2.1.3 1:10,000 Topographical Map Series

The ABMP also envisaged the preparation of 1:10,000 maps. This was done by
photogrammetric methods based on 1:20,000 aerial photographs and revised in field
prior to final preparation for printing. There are 1834 sheets covering entire Sri Lanka.
Each 1: 10, 000 map sheet of the new series was to cover an area of 8 km x 5 km
covering 40 km2 in area with 5/10m contour interval.

Figure 2. 3 Spatial layout of 1: 10k sheets on 1:50K

There are twenty five of 1: 10k topographical maps to cover one 1: 50k sheet as
depicted in Figure 2.3. Each 1:10k sheet is divided to four sections as depicted in the
figure to be used as key reference in all large scale statutory plans.

2.1.4 1: 250, 000 Topographic Map

This is a topographical map of Sri Lanka produced from 1:50k data applying map
generalization techniques. The same layers depicted in 1: 50k represent on this map
but subject to generalization of features to improve visual clarity. This is available in
four sections.

2.2 Thematic Maps

The most common Thematic Maps are Road Map of Sri Lanka at the scale of 1:
500,000, A-Z Colombo at the scale of 1:10,000, Road and Town Atlas, Province
Maps and District Maps at various scales. Some of the other important Thematic
Maps are Tourist Map of Sri Lanka, World Map, School Map Series, etc.

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Major publications of a series of Thematic Maps are; National Atlas of Sri Lanka and
School Atlas available in book format. Both publications are available in tri-
languages; Sinhala, Tamil and English, and have two editions with second edition
being the latest.

2.2.1 Traveller’s Map of Sri Lanka on the scale of 1:500,000

Traveller’s Map, commonly known as Road Map at 1: 500k is prepared in colour with
more details of information on the background page for easy reference of important
details required for travellers. This map is created in all three languages and this is the
most popular Thematic Map published by the Department. The focus on this map is to
use for travelling purposes and it depicts most of the towns, transport network, major
streams, and tanks/reservoirs in Sri Lanka.

2.2.2 Town Maps

Town maps are prepared for major towns based on data collected by large scale
ground survey techniques. The scale of mapping ranged from one inch to 1, 8, 12 and
16 chains prior to metrication, and more recently from 1:10,000 to 12,500. A standard
scale of 1:10,000 was used for all town maps prepared recently. All district capitals
were covered in new Town map series, which was classified as 2nd edition of town
maps. Further, there were some important towns considered for town mapping such as
Katharagama, Dambulla, etc., and were prepared based on the 1:10,000 topographic
data. Another important town map series was map of Colombo metropolitan area at
the scale of 1:2000 prepared during 1999-2000. This map was compiled based on
1:8000 aerial photography.

2.2.3 Land Use Maps in Scale of 1:100,000

In 1982 the Department embarked on a programme for Land Use mapping at 1:

100,000 scale on district basis for the entire country using aerial photographs and
satellite imagery. This programme was initiated in 1982 and data was mainly
processed in the Remote Sensing Branch at Surveyor General’s Office. This mapping
mission was carried out under Sri Lanka/Swiss Remote Sensing Project, and
completed in 1991.

2.2.4 District maps

All district maps are prepared at 1: 100,000 scale except in the districts of Colombo
and Kalutara where maps are prepared at a little larger scale of 1: 75,000, considering
the spatial congestion of features. Distract maps are focused on depicting the
topography of the district with less details of building information. The data are
extracted form 1: 50,000 topographic map series. If the details of a district do not fit
on to the standard paper size, it is prepared in sections.

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2.2.5 Province Maps

Province maps are created by amalgamating district maps to the scale of 1:100,000.

2.2.6 Thematic maps for National Parks

These maps are prepared showing the habitats of wild animals, their usual tracks in
addition to non-motorable and motorable access roads within and around the parks.
Some other information includes on these maps are forest boundaries and circuit
bungalows.

2.3 Custom Tailored Maps

These maps are created based on the requests made by Government stakeholders,
private sector organizations and general public for their various needs, which involve
decision making based on the details depicted on these maps.

2.3.1 School Maps

These maps are created with 1km to 5km buffer zone marked around the school for
assisting admission of children to schools, and the request should come from the
Principal of the respective school.

2.3.2 Police Area Maps

These maps are created based on the request from the officer in charge of a particular
police division. These maps show all the prominent details, including administrative
boundaries, which are available in 1:10,000 topographical map series.

2.3.3 DS Division/GN Division Maps

These maps are created on the request from different agencies for various purposes
especially for development activities and research for health issues of the area. Main
base layer depicted on these maps is the Administrative boundaries.

2.3.4 Medical Officer of Health Area Maps

These maps are created on request made by Medical Officer of Health (MOH) to
show a particular area of interest.

2.3.5 Other Custom Tailored Maps

On customer requests, any other type of map can be prepared at different resolutions
and scales according to the accuracy of data that fit the purpose of the requirement.
These maps are prepared at the special mapping unit at the Surveyor General’s Office.

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3.0 Map Production Process

Generally, topographic data required for different kind of mapping are produced by
geo-informatics and mapping branches of the Surveyor General’s Office (SGO) with
the assistance of the field staff. Field staff carries out ground control Surveys required
for spatial data acquisition processes, collection of the data such as missing features,
attribute data collection and field verification.

3.1 The first Ground Survey approach for National Mapping

The first national map series known as ‘one inch maps’ had been produced by using
different ground survey techniques such as theodolite surveys, plane table surveys
and spirit levelling and small scale tacheometry etc. Among these techniques, the
small scale tacheometry had been widely used to collect data to produce these maps.

3.2 First photogrammetric approach (Stereo Photogrammetry)

for National Mapping
Since 1956 base data for topographic mapping were mainly produced by the
photogrammetric branch through stereo plotting. At the early part of this era, outcome
of the stereo plotting was hard copy manuscripts. However, in the latter part of this
era, digital vector data were extracted from analytical stereo plotting. Digital
photogrammetric workstations became the stereo data modelling devise for producing
vector data required for mapping after the analytical stereo plotting era. However,
since 1990 data for smaller scale mapping such as 1:100,000 and 1:250,000 were
produced by the Centre for Remote Sensing (CRS) branch through satellite image
processing and interpretation followed by on screen digitizing.

3.3 Current Spatial data sources and acquisition methods for

mapping
Feature data extraction is the main step of spatial data acquisition process in creation
of topographic data sets required for mapping purposes. Currently there are different
sources and data capturing methods used for collecting data for different kinds of
mapping.

Following are the data sources used to extract topographic features for mapping:

 Stereo Aerial photographs.

 Point cloud by Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) surveys.
 Space borne images.
 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data.
 Ground survey data.

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3.3.1 Stereo Aerial photos for stereo plotting

Stereo photographs are the widely used feature capturing source in mapping processes
of the Survey Department since 1956. Stereo aerial photographs are captured by air
surveys and are subject to stereo modelling in order to extract features accurately
depending upon the scale of the aerial photographs. It is possible to achieve both
horizontal and vertical accuracy even up to ±10 cm level using this technique.

3.3.2 Space Borne Images

3.3.2.1 Low resolution satellite images

Until year 2000, availability and access to high resolution satellite images were very
limited but low resolution images were available. During this period such low
resolution satellite images were used for small scale mapping at the scales of
1:100,000 and 250,000 land use mapping. Terrain features such as land use polygons
and hydrographical features were identified and extracted followed by rather
cumbersome image processing steps in this approach.

3.3.2.2 High resolution Satellite images

Recently high resolution satellite images are widely available for the extraction of
topographic features required for different kinds of mapping processes at scales
ranging from 1: 5K to 1: 50K. Even far better accuracy can be achieved through
further image enhancements like ortho rectified images using three dimensional
ground control data. In addition to mono images, there are stereo satellite images
available, which are capable of generating stereoscopic view and can be used to
extract features similar to stereo photogrammetry.

3.3.3 Point Cloud by LiDAR Surveys

This technique is also enabling to extract features to suit different types of mapping
ranging from 1:2k to 1:10k scales. Major advantage of this method is to get the
elevation data for producing contours and different formats of relief maps. Digital
Elevation Models (DEM) required for 3D mapping can be produced from the massive
point cloud captured using this method. This technology is capable of covering a very
large area within a reasonable time period.

3.3.4 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data

This technique is capable of capturing feature data and elevation data for very large
scale mapping such as 1: 1000 or even larger. Currently there is a high demand for
topographic data collected from this method particularly for the applications like
utility management and city planning.

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3.3.5 Ground Survey Methods

There are still considerable amount of feature data to be captured trough ground
surveys, which is not possible through non ground survey methods. Mainly
hydrographical features (all kinds of points, lines and polygons) are required even at
50k resolution in many areas of the country. Features such as drainage lines, utility
features etc., are required for large scale mapping. There are robust and rapid ground
survey methods such as GNSS technology with Real Time measuring capabilities to
collect any kind of such feature data.

3.4 Use of Topographic databases for Mapping

Geospatial data for 1:10k topographic mapping and various types of other mapping
were obtained from Topographical database established and maintained since year
2000 in the GIS branch. Currently Topographic data for all kinds of mapping are used
from the Topographic databases established in the GIS branch. There are three types
of topographic databases established in Geo-informatics section at different
resolutions 2k, 10k and 50k. Though the resolutions are well aligned with national
mapping scales, 10k and 50k etc., the sole purpose is not only catering data for
mapping but also for multipurpose uses. All kinds of topographic data including
metadata stored in Topographic databases are subjected to well-defined standard
specifications. Rather the topological consistency and other data quality
characteristics are maintained for these data through semi-automated type tools and
techniques developed, and the temporal data are also archived through spatial data
base management procedures. Digital topographic data structures of the above
databases are given in Appendix I.

3.5 Verification of Feature Data

Topographical feature data are extracted and stored in database to be verified in order
to ascertain the fitness with ground truth. Various geographical phenomena have to be
dealt with, in order to achieve a successful verification. Some important aspects are;
Geometric accuracy, attribute accuracy, Thematic accuracy and the completeness.

There are some sources and ways that can be adopted to do the verification:

 Through field investigations and measurements.

 In-house verification using authorised and up to date formal documents like
gazettes, survey plans and large scale geo data sets such as cadastral and LIS
data.
 Web GIS services like Google Earth with robust viewing systems like Street
view, Open Street Map, Bing Map etc.

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 Through crowd sourcing.

The first method above is the most reliable and straightforward way to get required
data for the verification process but cost and time involved is high compared to the
other methods. Verification algorithms required to get the verification results to the
required degree of confidence are not discussed here.

3.6 Coordinate Reference Systems Adopted in Mapping

Currently two coordinate reference systems are in use, namely; Kandawala Datum
(Earth Petrolium Service Group (EPSG) id EPSG:5234) and SLD99 Datum. However,
the SLD99 Datum is the latest reference system to be adopted to all surveying and
mapping activities in the country. A tedious program was commenced in 1992 to
upgrade the then reference coordinate system known as Kandawala Datum of Sri
Lanka by Trilateration and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Finally in 1999 the
entire horizontal network was upgraded and the new reference control network on
SLD99 datum (EPSG id EPSG:5235) was established. It consists 273 Control points
in the following categories.

a. Base Station (ISMD) = 01

b. No of Principal (AA) GPS Stations = 10

c. No of Primary (A) GPS Stations = 194

d. No of Trigonometrical (TN, TO) Stations = 48

e. No of Fundamental Bench Marks (FBM) = 20

Parameters of SLD99 datum are as follows:

I. Reference Local Ellipsoid : Everest-1830

Semi Major axis : a = 6377276.3450m
Semi Minor axis : b = 6356075.4131m
II. Datum Transformation
a) Seven (7)-Paramerer Datum Transformation (from WGS84 to Reference
Local Ellipsoid)
Transformation Method : Bursa Wolf
Translation X : 0.2933 m
Translation Y : -766.9499 m
Translation Z : -87.7131 m
Rotation about X axis : 0.1957040”
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Rotation about Y axis : 1.6950677”

Rotation about Z axis : 3.4730161”
Scale factor: 1.0000000393
b) 3-Paramerer Datum Transformation (from WGS84 to Reference Local
Ellipsoid)
Three (3) Parameter datum transformation.
Translation X : 97.000 m
Translation Y : -787.000 m
Translation Z : -86.0000 m

3.7 Map projection

A map projection is one of many methods used to represent the 3-dimensional surface
of the earth on a 2-dimensional plane in cartography (mapmaking). This process is
typically, but not necessarily, a mathematical procedure (some methods are
graphically based).

3.7.1 Creation of Map Projection

The creation of a map projection involves three steps in which information is lost in
each step:

1. Selection of a model to represent the shape of the earth. (choosing between a

sphere or ellipsoid)
2. Transformation of geographic coordinates (longitude and latitude) to plane
coordinates (Eastings and Northings).
3. Reduction of the scale (in manual cartography this step come second, in digital
cartography it comes last)

3.7.2 Map Projection Categories

Projection classification is based on type of projection surface that is used. The

projections are described in terms of placing a gigantic planar surface in contact with
the earth, followed by an implied scaling operation. These surfaces are classified as
cylindrical (ex. Mercator’s projection), conic (ex. Albers projection), azimuthal or
plane (polar region projections).

There are several different types of projections that aim to accomplish different goals
while sacrificing data in other areas through distortion. It is impossible to construct a
map projection that is both equal area, azimuthal and conformal.

 Area preserving projection – equal area or equivalent projection

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 Shape preserving – conformal, orthomorphic

 Direction preserving – conformal, orthomorphic, azimuthal (only from a the
central point)
 Distance preserving – equidistant (shows the true distance between one or two
points and every other point)

3.7.3 Orientation of the Projection

Once a choice is made on projection surface, the orientation for that surface must be
chosen (how the cylinder or cone is “placed” on the earth). The orientation of the
projection surface can be normal (in line with the earth’s axis), transverse (at right
angles to the earth’s axis) or oblique (any angle in between). These surfaces may also
be either tangent or secant to the sphere or ellipsoid (if you see both a 1st and 2nd
parallel on a projected map then the projection must be secant).

3.7.4 Transverse Mercator’s Projection

Gerardus Mercator introduced the Transverse Mercator projection in 1772. It uses a

horizontally oriented cylinder tangent to a Meridian. This is particular useful for
mapping large areas that are mainly north-south in extent. This is the projection used
for producing topographic maps of Sri Lanka. Standard map projection and the
reference datum used in most of the maps n Sri Lanka is Transverse Mercator and
Everest 1830 respectively.

Figure 3.1 Represents a Transverse Mercator projection of the world with a standard
meridian at 0° longitude. (Note that because of the very small size of the map, the graticule
is shown at 30° resolution.)

As depicted in Figure 3.1 above, the globe wrapped in a cylinder is a conceptual

model of how the Transverse Mercator projection formula transfers positions on the
globe to positions on a plane. The cylinder can be flattened to a plane surface after it
is unwrapped from the globe (figure 3.1 right). The thicker red line on the cylinder
and the map is the standard meridian along which scale distortion is zero. As the error

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ellipses on the map indicate increase of distortion with distance from the standard
meridian.

Map Projection Parameters

a) Transverse Mercator projection parameters

b) Map Projection : Transverse Mercator
c) Longitude of the Origin : 80º 46’ 18.16710” E
d) Latitude of the Origin : 07º 00’ 1.69750” N
e) Scale factor : 0.9999238418
f) False Northing : 500,000.00m
g) False Easting : 500,000.00m
h) Pidurutalagala Trigonomerical Station in old Triangulation Network has been
used as the origin of the projection as used in the old system. This projected
coordinate system is defined as National Coordinate System (National Grid
System).

3.8 Map Generalization

Map generalization is the process of applying modifications to information on a

cartographic map in such a way that information can be shown on a smaller surface
retaining the essence of original geometrical and descriptive characteristics. This
emphasises based on the fact that the smaller the map scale, the more of the
representation is to be simplified and abstracted in order to maintain visual clarity and
balance of the representation.

3.8.1 Generalization processes

Three distinct generalization processes can be identified from data collection to final
map making. These processes are; object generalization, database generalization and
cartographic generalization.

3.8.1.1 Object generalization

This process describes method of mental generalization in the sense of abstraction and
selection from the real world data by the data collecting person (land surveyor, aerial
photo analyst or GIS data analyst).

3.8.1.2 Database generalization

This process can be seen as a pre-processing step prior to visualization through

cartographic generalization. This is also called statistical generalization because it is
mainly a filtering process after object generalization, aiming at data reduction under a
certain statistical control to maintain quality of information as much as possible with
generalization operators such as selection, removal, aggregation, typification and
reclassification operations with more or less no conflicts between objects. It also

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causes fewer generalization effects in which reduction of data volume is maximized

while at the same time, modification of data is minimized. Further, it aims at minimum
average displacement of objects. As a result, statistical generalization mainly affects the
symbology of the map, which creates minimum conflicts.

3.8.1.3 Cartographic generalization

Cartographic generalization aims to modify the local structure of data. In this process
the main aim is to give a better visual effectiveness to the graphic display with the best
use of map space to optimize legibility at a given scale for a particular purpose of the
map. This would more often cause graphical conflicts to be resolved after
generalization using operations such as symbolization, enlargement, simplification,
displacement and exaggeration.

3.8.2 Generalization approaches

Two approaches are identified in performing automatic generalization. They are;

ladder approach and star approach, which are often adopted by National Mapping
Agencies (NMAs), sometimes with a mixed approach of both methods. In the ladder
approach, each small scale dataset is derived from a large scale dataset in steps. In
Star approach all smaller datasets are derived from the one large scale base data set
using generalisation. In some applications both ladder and star approaches are used
known as mixed approach. Deciding which approach is chosen is important
depending on the application requirement. In the application of deriving several small
scale datasets using model generalization, adapting the ladder approach is not suitable
since it degrades spatial accuracy up the ladder.

Customer defined
1 : 250k output Customer defined output output 1 : 250k output

1 : 100k output Customer defined output

1:10k Master
database
1 : 50k output Customer defined output

1 :10k Master Customer defined output 1 : 50k output 1 : 100k output

database

Figure 3. 2 Ladder approach (left) and Star approach (right)

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4.0 Key Components of Maps

4.1 Map Details

Map details represent ground features as they existed at the date of map compilation
or latest revision. Since human beings are continually building, demolishing, and
changing ground features, the details appearing on a map may not exactly match what
is appearing on the ground. This is especially true in developed areas. The amount of
details shown on a map increased with its scale. A map attempts to show the
maximum of details without impairing legibility. In areas of heavy cultural density,
many of the less important items must be omitted. In areas of sparse density, fewer
items are omitted. When deletions are necessary because of the density of detail, care
is taken to retain the general pattern of the features in the area. For example, where all
buildings of a group cannot be shown, those retained portray the general pattern of the
group without exaggerating the area covered. Similarly, where numerous ditches,
streams, levees, and the like exist, the less important are omitted and the more
important are retained to show the characteristic pattern of the features in the area.

4.2 Scales

Standard scales of the Topographic maps in the Survey Department of Sri Lanka are
1 : 50,000 and 1 : 10,000. There are 92 tiles (actually there are 89 map sheets) in 1:
50,000 and 1834 tiles in 1: 10,000 scales to cover the entire country (see Figure 2.3 in
Section 2 above for the tile arrangement of 1: 50k).

4.3 Symbols used for 50k Topographic Maps

So far as is practice, a mapped feature is shown by the same symbol on maps of

different scales, but certain modifications and departures are necessary because of
varying map uses and scales. Normally, symbols resemble the features they represent.
The center and the orientation of a symbol usually correspond to the true center and
orientation of the feature represented. All line features such as roads, railroads,
streams, power lines, and similar features retain, within the limitation of scale, the
variations of alignment which actually exist. Along such linear features as roads, the
locations of close by buildings and other features are necessarily displaced because of
the exaggerated size of the symbols. Reference to the positions of such features must
be made with caution.

4.3.1 Roads, Railways and related Data

Consistent with map legibility and the density of cultural (man-made) development,
topographic maps require maximum portrayal of road and railway features.

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To assure map readability, symbol sizes are sometimes larger than actual map scale
size. The symbols, therefore, are always plotted to that their centers coincide with the
true position centers of the represented features; deviations from this requirement are
permissible where displacement is unavoidably necessary due to close proximity of
other plotted features. In such cases displacement is held to the absolute minimum
consistent with map legibility.

4.3.1.1 Expressway

Expressways are specially designed for high speed travelling for limited type
of vehicles. The national highways should be designed especially for high
speed movement of vehicular traffic with minimum interference to such high
speed traffic movements. National highways should not provide access to the
properties bordering it. These roads consist of two or more lanes on each side
of a physical separation such as a parkway.

4.3.1.2 National Highways

National Highways are the road or public road cross at least one provincial
boundary and connects two or more provincial centres and is a principal
thoroughfare for long distance of vehicular traffic. The road or public road
connects two trunk roads or passes through important town centres on which
the volume of vehicular traffic is more than two hundred and fifty vehicles per
day.

National Highways are paved or metaled roads and carry either an “A” or “B”
route designation. These are generally hard surface, all weather roads.

4.3.1.3 Secondary Roads

Secondary Roads are paved or metal led roads generally maintained by

Provincial Councils or Local Government Authorities.

4.3.1.4 Tracks

Tracks and lanes are travel ways over a natural roadbed, with little or no
improvements. These roads are capable of accommodating ox-carts or four
wheeled drive vehicles only. Usually, these roads are not maintained. In some
areas a distinction between motorable and non-motorable tracks may be
required. The distinction is indicated by appropriate labelling. Examples: “Not
motorable”, Motorable in dry season only”, “Inundated during rainy season”.

4.3.1.5 Footpaths

Footpaths are natural travelling ways which are not wide enough to
accommodate four-wheeled vehicles. These roads are not maintained.

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4.3.1.6 Railways

Railway tracks are perhaps the most accurately laid out man-made structure.
This is so because the wheels of a train engine are fixed, they cannot be
steered. The turning of a locomotive engine is accomplished by virtue of the
arc of the track and the play (slack) between the wheel flanges and the rails.
Therefore, all railway curves are smooth, flat arcs. The transition from a
straight-away to a curve is gradual; there are no sharp corners. This is true
even in a siding or railway yard. Extreme care should be exercised in selecting
the proper curves so that the point of tangency blends smoothly into the arc,
without a reverse curve.

Railway are classified and symbolized according to status (operating or non-

operating); and by number of tracks.
(i) An operating railway is one that is at least in limited use over a
maintained, permanent right-of-way.
(ii) A non-operating railway is one that is not in use and is not
maintained. To be labelled as "non-operating" along the railway.
(iii)An abandoned railway is one that is not in use and the right-of-way
is not maintained. However, the roadbed, tracks and bridges are
largely intact and the line can be made operational with a minimum
amount of repair. To be labelled “abandoned” along the railway.
(iv) A destroyed railway is one where the roadbed, tracks, or bridges
are at least partially destroyed and which would require more than
minor repairs to be made operational.

4.3.2 Hydrographical Features

A hydrographical feature is related to characteristics such as flow or depth of bodies

of water. The depth and water flow and its spatial formation can be depicted on a map
along with other topographic features. Vide Appendix II for Hydrographic Symbols
used on maps by the Survey Department.

4.3.2.1 Streams and Related Features

The term “streams” includes rivers (Gangas, Oyas), creeks (cells), brooks,
runs (ebas), etc. Streams are delineated in an amount sufficient to serve as the
frame work for the hypsographic portrayal ; provide immediate recognition of
land forms and direction of slope ; and reflect the existing type of drainage
pattern. Short branches of streams may be omitted.

(a) A perennial double line stream measures 1 mm or more in width (map

scale) at the normal stage of water.

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(b) A perennial single line stream is as defined above, except that it measures
less than 1mm in width.
(c) A braided stream is a water course which is not filled by the normal flow
of water, and which sub-divides into an interlaced pattern of channels
through the river bed.
(d) A meandering stream is a stream which follows a winding course through
level land. Due to the natural run off of water, the alignment of the stream
and the location of islands and sandbars therein are subject to change. The
shoreline is delineated at the normal stage of water. Sandbars which fall
below this stage of water are not shown.
(e) A single line intermittent or dry stream is delineated as such if its outer
limits are less than 2 mm in width.
(f) A double line intermittent stream is delineated as such if its outer limits are
greater than 2 mm in width. Permanent channels within the wash area
shown as perennial or intermittent as appropriate.
(i) A disappearing stream is a water course which flows into a sinkhole and
continues its course in a subterranean channel. The point of disappearance
is shown ; the underground channel is not shown.
(j) Falls are created by a vertical or near vertical descent of the stream. This
feature is sometimes called a cataract or cascade. On double line rivers,
the shape is indicated.

4.3.2.2 Drainage (Inland Hydrography)

The term “drainage” includes those inland features, natural or man-made, of

which water is a constituent part. The amount of water may be considerable,
as in rivers, lakes, canals; it may be moderate as in marshes and in intermittent
streams and lakes; or the degree of wetness may be a temporary condition as
in washes and areas subject to inundation.

Drainage features are therefore categorized as perennial, intermittent and dry.

As a general rule a feature is considered perennial if it contains water for an
average of six or more months of the year; it is considered intermittent if it
contain water for an average of less than six months; and it is considered dry if
it seldom contain water, or contains water only during very short periods.

Drainage is important feature that can be shown on Topographical map. The

drainage pattern, therefore, must be as complete and reliable.

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In predominantly wet or well watered region, however, short tributary streams

(less than 20 mm) ; small ponds (less than 1 mm wide); and features of small
areal extent, such as marsh and paddies (less than 5 mm x 5 mm) may be
omitted, especially if they tend to impair the legibility of the more important
features.

In arid and moderately watered areas, the presence of water becomes even
more important and short tributary streams and small ponds should be shown,
although features of small areal extent may still be omitted.

4.3.2.3 Shorelines

In tidal waters, the shoreline delineates the limits of land features at mean high
water level. Tidal waters implies anybody of water which is subject to periodic
rising and falling, or flowing and ebbing, of the surface of an ocean ; i.e. ,
gulfs, bays, rivers, etc. , which are subject to such fluctuations.
In non-tidal waters, the shoreline is the line of contact with the land at a water
level which prevails during six or more months of the year. This line is the
“normal stage of water”.
Shorelines for islands are delineated at the same hydrographical datum used
for the shoreline of the adjacent mainland. That is either normal stage of water
or mean high water. Features which uncover at a stage of water lower than the
datum used for the mainland shoreline are not shown as islands. In the case of
tidal waters these are shown as foreshore features.
A distinction is made between natural and man-made shorelines.

(a) The natural shoreline is not broken for single piers, break-water, isolated
ferry slips of short sea walls and revetments.
(b) The natural shoreline is omitted for extensive water fronts, wharves, long
sea walls and long revetments, except that an overlap of 2 mm is shown at
the limits of the man-made feature.
(c) A definite shoreline is one whose position and shape have been accurately
determined.
(d) An indefinite or un-surveyed shoreline is one whose position and shape are
subject to change or have not been accurately determined. A shoreline
being altered by dredging or filling is delineated as a natural shoreline and
not as a man-made.
A pinpoint island is a small island whose shoreline would tend to coalesce at
the publication scale. These are therefore shown as solids; their shapes being
retained whenever possible.

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4.3.2.4 Lakes, Ponds and similar features

Lakes, ponds and similar features are categorized as perennial, intermittent or

dry. To be labelled as,

a. The shoreline of a perennial, lake or pond may be definite or indefinite and

corresponds to the prevailing water level (normal stage).

b. The shoreline of an intermittent lake or pond corresponds to the outer

limits of the feature (often the line of permanent vegetation), and is
delineated with the indefinite symbol. A portion of a large intermittent lake
which always contains water is delineated as a perennial feature; i.e., the
actual condition is represented by a perennial lake within the intermittent
lake. An island occurring within an intermittent lake is delineated with the
indefinite shoreline.

c. The shoreline of a dry (or cyclical) lake or pond is delineated by the

indefinite shoreline and corresponds to the outer limits. Included in this
category are salt or alkali flats.

d. A salt lake is a perennial or intermittent body of brackish water. It is

symbolized as any other lake, except that it is labelled “salt”. If the lake is
named, the label is enclosed in parenthesis and shown immediately after or
below the name. If the term “salt” is part of the name no additional
labelling is required.

e. A tank or reservoir with a natural shoreline is an artificial lake formed by

the water impounded by the bund or dam; it is always categorized as a
perennial feature with a definite or indefinite shoreline representing the
normal stage of water as controlled by the bund or dam. In compilation,
the shoreline is omitted where it coincides with the bund or dam.

f. Abandoned tanks will be shown as perennial, with a definite or indefinite

shoreline and will be so labelled in compilation stage. In the reproduction
stage, these will be shown with and open-water fill band around the
perimeter of the tank. Since the Government of Sri Lanka has repeatedly
indicated its desire to rehabilitate most of the abandoned tanks, this symbol
will facilitate the revision and updating of the maps as the tanks are
rehabilitated.

4.3.2.5 Drainage and Irrigation Ditches (Channels)

a. A perennial double line ditch is a man-made excavation or trench, 1 mm or

more in width, which is used for the control and movement of water.

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b. A perennial single line ditch is defined as above, except that the feature is
less than 1 mm wide. Ditches and to drain swamps (marsh) and areas
subject to inundation are always delineated as perennial.

c. An intermittent ditch is also a man-made excavation or trench and is

delineated as a single line regardless of width.

4.3.2.6 Water Conduits

a. A water conduit is an artificial or natural channel which carries water for

either supply or industrial purposes. Included in this category are
aqueducts, flumes, penstocks, pipelines and similar features; they may
occur at ground level, or underground, or they may be elevated.
b. An aqueduct is an open or covered channel which carries large quantities
of water. It may be constructed of brick, stone or concrete, or tunnelled
through rock.
c. A penstock is a closed pipe or channel used by hydroelectric installations
to carry water, under pressure, to the generating plant.
b. For ground level water conduits, the distinction between aqueducts,
pipelines and penstocks is indicated by appropriate labelling.
c. For elevated water conduits, the term “Elevated” is added at appropriate
intervals, as “Elevated aqueduct”, when the feature extends for a long
distance.
d. For underground water conduits, the main lines are shown; short feeder
lines to houses or villages are omitted. If another surface feature (such as a
road or trail, a prominent fence, etc.) is located over the underground
feature, the conduit symbol is omitted but the presence of the underground
feature is indicated by labelling added to the surface feature; e.g.
“Underground aqueduct”.

4.3.2.7 Miscellaneous Drainage Features

a. Salt evaporators (salt pans) are shown by delineating the outline and major
separations. The feature is appropriately labelled.

b. Fish ponds and hatcheries are shown when large enough to plot to scale.
The criterion for showing separations is the same as stated for salt
evaporators.

c. Sewage disposal and filtration beds are show when large enough to plot to
scale. The criterion for showing separations is the same as stated for salt
evaporators.

d. Swimming pools and man-made reservoirs are shown when large enough
to plot to scale.

e. A well is a pit or hole which is sunk, by digging or drilling, below the

ground level to reach a supply of water. Unless available information in
contrary, all wells will be shown as perennial. When practicable the name
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of the well is shown. Additionally, labels indicating the characteristic of

the well are shown if known, such as; alkaline, mineral, un-potable etc.
Walled-in springs, geysers, artesian wells and fountains are shown as wells
and are appropriately labelled.

f. A cistern is a tank or similar artificial enclosure which is used for the

collection and storage or water. Underground cisterns are symbolized as
wells.

g. A spring is a natural out flow of water from a subsurface level.

h. Water surface elevations are shown, when practicable, for large lakes and
wide rivers, and correspond to the normal stage of water.

4.3.2.8 Water Features

The features discussed below are shown if they are equivalent to, or
exceed, an area of approx. 5 mm square approx.)

a. A marsh in tidal waters is saturated land that covers and uncovers with the
tide and supports reeds or grass like aquatic growths. It is symbolized as
ordinary marsh or swamp, except that the shoreline is delineated as the
limits of open water (sea-side) side the feature and not the mean high
water line.
b. A marsh in non-tidal waters is saturated land, usually covered with
standing water that supports reed or grass like aquatic growths. It is shown
in the open water area with its landside limits delineated as the shoreline.
c. A swamp is land which is saturated, though not usually covered with
water. Land subject to natural inundation is never regarded as swamp.
d. Mangrove is a thick impenetrable growth of trees with tangled aerial roots
which appears in tropical and semitropical regions. It occurs in low lying
areas along sea coasts, and along the banks of tidal waters up to the limits
of the tidal influence. Where the exact location of the shoreline (mean
high water) is not apparent, or unknown, the water-side limits of the
feature is annotated as the shoreline and delineated by the indefinite
symbol. The land side limits (mean high water) is shown when known.
This feature (mangrove) is delineated both as a drainage and vegetation
feature.
e. Wet and constitutes sandy areas in arid region adjacent to coastal waters;
the areas are continuously wet due to water seepage.

4.3.2.9 Coastal Definitions

a. The hydrographical datum is the plane of reference for soundings. It is that

stage of low tide (low water line) to which the depths are referenced.

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b. Foreshore area is that area which is bare or awash at the hydrographical

datum (low water) but which is covered at mean high water.

c. Offshore area is that area that is always covered by water at the

hydrographical datum.

d. The shoreline in tidal waters delineates the limits of land at mean high
water level.

4.3.2.10 Buildings

A building is a roofed structure of a permanent nature, usually enclosed on

four sides, which serves as a dwelling, storehouse, factory, animal shelter,
or has some other useful purpose. In highly developed areas they are made
of metal, brick, dressed lumber, concrete, and/or masonry-type materials.
In the underdeveloped areas, the buildings are not as durable as in the
highly developed areas, since crude lumber, cadjan, bamboo, clay, and
wattle and daub are the materials most commonly used in their
construction. However, they are considered to be of permanent nature.
Huts, tents and other temporary dwellings are not considered as buildings.

Scale permitting, buildings are shown wherever they exist by properly

oriented individual building.

A building of which any one side is greater than 1 mm at reproduction scale

shall be drawn to scale by outline.

Small (less than 1 mm) indentations, extensions and open courts shall be
simplified. However, the outline will follow the predominant limits of the
feature.

When buildings occur in groups and in conjunction with mapped linear

features such as roads, railways, and channels (ditches), the density of the
buildings and the displacement due to symbolization may make it
impossible to position all the building symbols in their true positions.
Often building symbols must be moved slightly to achieve a good
representative building pattern portrayal. The following limiting
dimensions are used when delineating buildings under these circumstances.

The minimum space between building symbol is 0.25 mm.

a. When there is a small cluster of buildings and they must be moved from
their true positions to avoid coalescing with each other, a displacement not
to exceed 0.5 mm is permitted. When a greater displacement is required,
some buildings are omitted and the group is shown by a representative
pattern of building symbols.

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b. Displacement of buildings is often necessary along symbolized roads or

streets because of the exaggerated width of the road symbol. In such case,
the building symbol is drawn to touch the road casing of a double-line
road symbol.
c. A clear space of at least 0.5 mm is shown between the road casing and the
edge of the building symbol if the edge of building symbol does not touch
the road casing but is less than 0.5 mm away from the road casing.
d. The building symbol is plotted in its true position wherever an open space
of 0.5 mm or more exists between the edge of the building symbol and the
road casing. No attempt is made to show the true ground distance between
the two features.
e. A minimum space of 0.5 mm is shown between building symbol and
footpaths.
f. When buildings are in clusters, it is often necessary to show the condition
by a representative pattern of building symbols. The pattern should reflect
the real extent of the building cluster, the relative space between buildings,
and their general orientation.
g. When the density of planimetric detail is such that a selection of building
must be made, the selection is based on relative importance. The order of
preference for retention is:

(1) Religious buildings.

(2) Schools.

(3) Buildings plottable to scale.

(4) Identified landmark buildings.

(5) All other buildings, as space permits.

h. When compiling from aerial photographs and when the density is such
that all buildings of a random group cannot be shown, the order of
retention is based on size. Buildings significantly smaller than the
average-size dwellings of an area are omitted, since their inclusion tends
to exaggerate the density of the area. Examples of such features are: small
sheds, chicken coops, animal pens, latrines, and similar features.
i. Where space does not permit all the buildings to be shown in a row of
buildings, the end buildings are shown in their true position with a
representative number of buildings shown between them. The first
building on either side of an open space is considered and end building.
j. When two or more dwellings are actually attached (like row-houses or
town house development), they are shown by a single symbol scaled to
the length of the row, with the width drawn to scale or a minimum of 1
mm. This treatment applies only in areas or developments that are not
considered built-up areas.

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4.3.2.11 Important Buildings

a. Building which are important because of their cultural importance, unique

appearance, or construction, or orientation value, are identified by the
appropriate symbol and/or by labelling.

b. Where there are numerous important buildings within a built-up area, only
the most outstanding are shown. It is undesirable to have a profusion of
important buildings, especially ones that require labelling, in these areas.
Where a selection in required, those that are the talent, or viable from afar,
have first preference for retention.

c. In the areas outside of the built-up area tints, where the selecting-out
process is not required, all of the important buildings are shown by
appropriate symbol and/or label.

d. Special symbols have been designed to represent the following important

buildings:

(1) Religious buildings Temple, Kovil, Mosque, Church

(2) Schools

(3) Hospital, Dispensary

(4) Police Station, Court

(5) Main Post Office, Sub-Post Office

(6) Hotel, Rest House, Circuit Bungalow

4.3.2.12 Built-up Area

a. Types of Built-up Areas

Most of the large towns and cities of the island have at least a portion of their
developed areas falling into the built-up area category.

1) The old-town, hard-core sections of the nucleated cities with their narrow
streets and continuous roof cover.

2) The industrial and commercial districts and public buildings.

3) The urban residential areas made up of closely spaced, or attached,

permanent dwellings and apartment complexes.

b. Density Requirements

1) While the degree of building density, and extent of area, are the main
criteria used to determine when an area is to by shown by the built-up area

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tint, or by building symbols, it is also important for the final symbolization

to reflect a gradual transition in building density between the sparse and
more concentrated portions of a populated place whenever such a
transition actually exists.

2) When compiling the outline between areas to be represented by the built-

up area tint and areas to be represented by building symbols, the density
requirements for built-up areas are met when the area is so dense that the
building will coalesce (run together or merge) when symbolized
individually. The requirement for coalescence is satisfied only when, after
having represented the streets by their proper symbolization and density to
reflect the characteristics pattern of the street network, most of the
buildings coalesce both side-to-side and back-to-back if drawn at their
minimum size.

3) In fringe and suburban areas, the buildings may coalesce in a side-to-side

direction along the street, but the space between the backs of the houses
may be such that coalescence does not occur in the back-to-back direction.
In this case, the area is shown by the use of a representative pattern of
building symbols, with as many symbols as can be portrayed along the
streets. Building symbols with proper treatment of representative pattern of
building locations as well as individual building symbols used on maps are
given in Appendix III.

4) Buildings in fringe areas are sometimes haphazardly located so that some

of the buildings coalesce at the scale of the map and others do not. In such
cases, the built-up area tint is used only if coalescence is the predominant
condition.

5) When all other factors have been considered, and the density or
arrangement of buildings in a particular area is such that some doubt still
exists as to the appropriateness of the built-up area tint for the area, the
following guides are applied: doubtful areas are shown by the tint
whenever they are surrounded by (or contiguous to) areas that are
obviously built-up areas; doubtful areas which are not contiguous are
shown by a representative pattern of building symbols.

6) Populated places that are essentially alike receive the same treatment and
type of symbolization regardless of some slight difference in degree of
density.

c. Size Requirements

The size requirements for the use of the built-up area symbol are met the area
is a minimum of approximately 10 mm by 10mm or its equivalent area,
providing the narrowest dimension is not less than 5 mm. Areas of tightly

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grouped buildings which do not meet the size requirement are shown by a
representative pattern of building symbols.

d. Establishing Limits of Built-up Areas

1) The limits of built-up area tint are delineated whenever possible to

coincide with mapped linear features such as streams, roads, streets and
railways. Where built-up area limits are not coincident with linear features,
the outline is delineated to create an accurate portrayal of the populated
place; the final limiting line is adjusted to eliminate small (1 mm)
identifications and extensions.

2) Narrow strips of development, such as a single row of buildings extending

along each side of a road, are not included within the built-up limits,
regardless of the density of the buildings. These will, instead, be shown by
a representative pattern of building symbols.

3) The limits of built-up area tint symbols are not based on administrative
boundaries.

4) Along the periphery of the built-up area factory complexes, refineries,

railway yards and port facilities, which have extensive area of open ground,
are not included within the built-up area limits. These features are shown
by their appropriate symbols.

e.g: Open Areas within the Built-up Area Tint

5) Areas of little or no development falling inside the overall built-up area are
excluded from the tint area, provided they are approximately 5 mm by 5
mm, or larger. All areas that are below the minimum size are included
within the built-up area.

6) Parks, cemeteries, universities and hospital complexes having extensive

open grounds are treated as open areas if they meet the minimum size
requirements. Factory complexes and railway yards are given similar
treatment. Buildings or other features in these open areas are shown as
individual buildings or by appropriate symbol.

e. Summary of Built-up Area and Representative Pattern

1) Built-up area tint will be shown when the following criteria are met:

(a) When buildings, shown by their minimum size symbol, 1 mm x 1 mm

will coalesce side-to-side and back-to-back due to the street network in
front, sides and back and,

(b) When the area is a minimum size of 10 mm by 10 mm, or its equivalent

area, providing the narrowest dimension is not less than 5mm.

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2) The representative pattern of building symbols will be shown when the

following criteria are met:

(a) When buildings, shown by their minimum size symbol, will coalesce side-
to-side but will not coalesce back-to-back due to the street network; and

(b) When the narrowest dimension of the built-up area is less than 5 mm as
specified in 1) (b) above.

4.4 Symbols used for 10k and 50k Topographic Maps

When preparing thematic maps, where no symbol is prescribed for specified

topographic feature, a new symbol can be prepared and used on following conditions.

i) There is no conflict with symbols shown on maps.

ii) Any special symbol used is explained either in the legend of the map or by
appropriate labelling within the body of the map, so that no uncertainty may
result. See Appendix II for the Symbol Library.

4.5 Colour
Although a high-quality map is composed of many different elements, colour is one of
the perceptible components noticed by end-users. This is partially due to the fact that
humans have an intuitive understanding of how colours are, and should be, used to
create an effective and pleasing visual experience. Nevertheless, it is not always clear
to the map-maker which colours should be used to its best to convey the purpose of
the product. This intuition is much like listening to a favorite music. It is known when
a note is in tune or out of tune, but ordinary audiences wouldn’t necessarily have any
idea of how to fix a bad note. Colour is indeed a tricky piece of the cartographic
puzzle and is not surprisingly the most frequently criticized variable on computer-
generated maps. This section covers the outline of the basic components of colour and
the guidelines to most effectively employ this important map attribute.

4.5.1 Colour Basics

As electromagnetic radiation (ER) travels via waves from the sun (or a light source) to
objects on the earth, portions of the ER spectrum are absorbed, scattered, or reflected
by various objects. The resulting property of the absorbed, scattered, and reflected ER
is termed “colour.” White is the colour resulting from the full range of the visual
spectrum and is therefore considered the benchmark colour by which all others are
measured. Black is the absence of ER. All other colours result from a partial
interaction with the ER spectrum.

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The three primary aspects of colour that must be addressed in map making are hue,
value, and saturation. Hue is the dominant wavelength or colour associated with a
reflecting object. Hue is the most basic component of colour and includes red, blue,
yellow, purple, and so forth. Value is the amount of white or black in the colour.
Value is often synonymous with contrast. Variations in the amount of value for a
given hue result in varying degrees of lightness or darkness for that colour. Lighter
colours are said to possess high value, while dark colours possess low value.
Monochrome colours are groups of colours with the same hue but with incremental
variations in value. As seen in Figure 4.1 "Value", variations in value will typically
lead the viewer’s eye from dark areas to light areas.

Figure 4. 1 Value

Saturation describes the intensity of colour. Full saturation results in pure colours,
while low saturation colours approach gray. Variations in saturation yield different
shades and tints. Shades are produced by blocking light, such as by an umbrella, tree,
curtain, and so forth. Increasing the amount of shading results in grays and
blacks. Tint is the opposite of shade and is produced by adding white to a colour.
Tints and shades are particularly germane when using additive colour models
(see Section 4.5.2 "Colour Models" for more on additive colour models). To
maximize the interpretability of a map, use saturated colours to represent
hierarchically prominent features and washed-out colours to represent background
features.

If used properly, colour can greatly enhance and support map design. Likewise,
colour can detract from a mapping product if abused. To use colour properly, one
must first consider the purpose of the map. In some cases, the use of colour is not
warranted. Gray scale maps can be just as effective as colour maps if the subject
matter merits it. Regardless, there are many reasons to use colour. The five primary
reasons are outlined here.

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Colour is particularly suited to convey meaning (Figure 4.2 "Use of Colour to Provide
Meaning"). For example, red is a strong colour that evokes a passionate response in
humans. Red has been shown to evoke physiological responses such as increasing the
rate of respiration and raising blood pressure. Red is frequently associated with blood,
war, violence, even love. On the other hand, blue is a colour associated with calming
effects. Associated with the sky or ocean, blue colours can actually assist in sleep and
is therefore a recommended colour for bedrooms. Too much blue, however, can result
in a lapse from calming effects into feelings of depression (i.e., having the “blues”).
Green is most commonly associated with life or nature (plants). The colour green is
certainly one of the most topical colours in today’s society with commonplace
references to green construction, the green party, going green, and so forth. Green,
however, can also represent envy and inexperience (e.g., the green-eyed monster,
greenhorn). Brown is also a nature colour but more as a representation of earth and
stone. Brown can also imply dullness. Yellow is most commonly associated with
sunshine and warmth, somewhat similar to red. Yellow can also represent cowardice
(e.g., yellow-bellied). Black, the absence of colour, is possibly the most meaning-
laden colour in modern parlance. Even more than the others, the colour black purports
surprisingly strong positive and negative connotations. Black conveys mystery,
elegance, and sophistication (e.g., a black-tie affair, in the black), while also
conveying loss, evil, and negativity (e.g., blackout, black-hearted, black cloud,
blacklist).

Figure 4. 2 Use of Colour to Provide Meaning

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In this map, red counties are those that voted for the Republican Party in the 2004
presidential election, while blue counties voted Democrat. These colours are typically
used to designate the Democratic and Republican Parties.

The second reason to use colour is for clarification and emphasis (Figure 4.3 "Use of
Colour to Provide Emphasis"). Warm colours, such as reds and yellows, are notable
for emphasizing spatial features. These colours will often jump off the page and are
usually the first to attract the reader’s eye, particularly if they are counter-balanced
with cool colours, such as blues and greens (see Section 4.5.3 "Colour Choices" for
more on warm and cool colours). In addition, the use of a hue with high saturation
will stand out starkly against similar hues of low saturation. Red marks the spot!

Figure 4. 3 Use of Colour to Provide Emphasis

Colour use is also important for creating a map with pleasing aesthetics (Figure 4.4
"Use of Colour to Provide Aesthetics"). Certainly, one of the most challenging aspects
of map creation is developing an effective colour palette. When looking at maps
through an aesthetic lens, users are truly starting to think of map creations as artwork.
Although somewhat particular to individual viewers, humans have an innate
understanding of when colours in a graphic/art are aesthetically pleasing and when
they are not. For example, colour use is considered harmonious when colours from
opposite sides of the colour wheel are used (Section 4.5.3 "Colour Choices"), whereas
equitable use of several major hues can create an unbalanced image.

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Figure 4. 4 Use of Colour to Provide Aesthetics

The fourth use of colour is abstraction (Figure 4.5 "Use of Colour to Provide
Abstraction"). Colour abstraction is an effective way to illustrate quantitative and
qualitative data, particularly for thematic products such as choropleth maps. Here,
colours are used solely to denote different values for a variable and may not have any
particular rhyme or reason. Figure 4.5 "Use of Colour to Provide Abstraction" shows
a typical thematic map with abstract colours representing different zones in Sri Lanka.

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Figure 4. 5 Use of Colour to Provide Abstraction

Opposite abstraction, colour can also be used to represent reality (Figure 4.6 World
Map). Maps showing elevation (e.g., digital elevation models or DEMs) are often
given false colours that approximate reality. Low areas are coloured in variations of
green to show areas of lush vegetation growth. Mid-elevations (or low-lying desert
areas) are coloured brown to show sparse vegetation growth. Mountain ridges and
peaks are coloured white to show accumulated snowfall. Watercourses and water
bodies are coloured blue. Unless there is a specific reason not to, natural phenomena
represented on maps should always be coloured to approximate their actual colour to
increase interpretability and to decrease confusion. Greens, blues, and browns are
used to imitate real-world phenomena.

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Figure 4. 6 World Map

4.5.2 Colour Models

Colour models are systems that allow for the creation of a range of colours from a
short list of primary colours. Colour models can be additive or subtractive. Additive
colour models combine emitted light to display colour variations and are commonly
used with computer monitors, televisions, scanners, digital cameras, and video
projectors. The RGB (red-green-blue) colour model is the most common additive
model. Part (a) of Figure 4.7 "Additive Colour Models: (a) RGB, (b) HSL, and (c)
HSV". The RGB model combines light beams of the primary hues of red, green, and
blue to yield additive secondary hues of magenta, cyan, and yellow. Although there is
a substantive difference between pure yellow light (~580 nm) and a mixture of green
and red light, the human eye perceives these signals as the same. The RGB model
typically employs three 8-bit numeric values (called an RGB triplet) ranging from 0 to
255 to model colours. For instance, the RGB triplets for the pure primary and
secondary colours are as follows:

 Red = (255, 0, 0)
 Green = (0, 255, 0)
 Blue = (0, 0, 255)
 Magenta = (255, 0, 255)
 Cyan = (0, 255, 255)
 Yellow = (255, 255, 0)
 Black, the absence of additive colour = (0, 0, 0)
 White, the sum of all additive colour = (255, 255, 255)

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Two other common additive colour models, based on the RGB model, are
the HSL (hue, saturation, lightness) and HSV (hue, saturation, value) models. (Figure
4.7 "Additive Colour Models: (a) RGB, (b) HSL, and (c) HSV", b and c). These
models are based on cylindrical coordinate systems whereby the angle around the
central vertical axis corresponds to the hue; the distance from the central axis
corresponds to saturation; and the distance along the central axis corresponds to either
saturation or lightness. Because of their basis in the RGB model, both the HSL and
HSV colour models can be directly transformed between the three additive models.
While these relatively simple additive models provide minimal computer-processing
time, they do possess the disadvantage of glossing over some of the complexities of
colour. For example, the RGB colour model does not define “absolute” colour spaces,
which means that these hues may look differently when viewed on different displays.
Also, the RGB hues are not evenly spaced along the colour spectrum, meaning
combinations of the hues is less than exact.

Figure 4. 7 Additive Colour Models: (a) RGB, (b) HSL, and (c) HSV

In contrast to an additive model, subtractive colour models involve the mixing of

paints, dyes, or inks to create full colour ranges. These subtractive models display
colour on the assumption that white, ambient light is being scattered, absorbed, and
reflected from the paper by the printing inks. Subtractive models therefore create
white by restricting ink from the print surface. As such, these models assume the use
of white paper as other paper colours will result in skewed hues. CMYK (cyan,
magenta, yellow, black) is the most common subtractive colour model and is
occasionally referred to as a “four-colour process” (Figure 4.8 "Subtractive Colour
Model: CMYK"). Although the CMY inks are sufficient to create all of the colours of
the subtractive rainbow, a black ink is included in this model as it is much cheaper
than using a CMY mix for all blacks (black being the most commonly printed colour)
and because combining CMY often results in more of a dark brown hue. The CMYK
model creates colour values by entering percentages for each of the four colours
ranging from 0 percent to 100 percent. For example, pure red is composed of 14
percent cyan, 100 percent magenta, 99 percent yellow, and 3 percent black.

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Additive models are preferred choice when maps are to be displayed on a computer
monitor, while subtractive models are preferred when printing. If in doubt, it is
usually best to use the RGB model as this supports a larger percentage of the visible
spectrum in comparison with the CMYK model. Once an image is converted from
RGB to CMYK, the additional RGB information is irretrievably lost. If possible,
collecting both RGB and CMYK versions of an image is ideal, particularly if graphic
is to be both printed and placed online. One last note, colour models are to be selected
according the digital file format of the end product. i.e., The JPEG and GIF graphic
file formats are the best choice for RGB images, while the EPS and TIFF graphic file
formats are preferred with printed CMYK images.

Figure 4. 8 Subtractive Colour Model: CMYK

4.5.3 Colour Choices

Effective colour usage requires a little bit of knowledge about the colour wheel.
Invented by Sir Isaac Newton in 1706, the colour wheel is a visual representation of
colours arranged according to their chromatic relationships. Primary hues are
equidistant from each other with secondary and tertiary colours intervening. The red-
yellow-blue colour wheel is the most frequently used (Figure 4.9 "Colour Wheel");
however, the magenta-yellow-cyan wheel is the preferred choice of print makers (for
reasons described in the previous section). Primary colours are those that cannot be
created by mixing other colours; secondary colours are defined as those colours
created by mixing two primary hues; tertiary colours are those created by mixing
primary and secondary hues. Furthermore, complementary colours are those placed
opposite each on the wheel, while analogous colours are located proximal to each
other. Complementary colours emphasize differences. Analogues suggest harmony.

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Figure 4. 9 Colour Wheel

Colours can be further referred to as warm or cool (Figure 4.10 "Warm (Orange) and
Cool (Blue) Colours"). Warm colours are those that might be seen during a bright,
sunny day. Cool colours are those associated with overcast days. Warm colours are
typified by hues ranging from red to yellow, including browns and tans. Cool colour
hues range from blue-green through blue-violet and include the majority of gray
variants. When used in mapping, it is wise to use warm and cool colours with care.
Indeed, warm colours stand out, appear active, and stimulate the viewer. Cool colours
appear small, recede, and calm the viewer. As one can guess, it is important that you
apply warm colours to the map features of primary interest, while using cool colours
on the secondary, background, and/or contextual features. It should be noted that the
warm colour stands out, while the cool colour recedes.

Figure 4. 10 Warm (Orange) and Cool (Blue) Colours

In light of the plethora of colour schemes and options available, it is wise to follow
some basic colour usage guidelines. For example, changes in hue are best suited to
visualizing qualitative data, while changes in value and saturation are effective at
visualizing quantitative data. Likewise, variations in lightness and saturation are best

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suited to representing ordered data since these establish hierarchy among features. In
particular, a monochromatic colour scale is an effective way to represent the order of
data whereby light colours represent smaller data values and dark colours represent
larger values. Keep in mind that it is best to use more light shades than dark ones as
the human eye can better discern lighter shades. Also, the number of coincident
colours that can be distinguished by humans is around seven, so be careful not to
abuse the colour palette in your maps. If the data being mapped has a zero point, a
dichromatic scale (Figure 4.11) provides a natural breaking point with increasing
colour values on each end of the scale representing increasing data values.

Figure 4. 11 Increasing Colour Values

A dichromatic scale is essentially two monochromatic scales joined by a low colour

value in the center. In addition, darker colours result in more important or pronounced
graphic features (assuming the background is not overly dark). Use dark colours on
features whose visual impact you wish to magnify. Finally, do not use all the colours
of the spectrum in a single map. It is best to leave such messy, rainbow-spectacular
effects.

4.6 Symbols used for other Thematic Maps

Thematic maps pull in attributes or statistics about a location and represent that data
in a way that enables a greater understanding of the relationships between locations
and the discovery of spatial patterns in the data that we are exploring.

There are a number of visualization techniques and thematic map types that have
different applications depending on the type of data that you are exploring and the
type of spatial analysis that you are looking to do. The methodology and the type of
map that you want to create may be different, for example, if you are exploring global
shipping data, or environmental disaster impact.

There are mainly five thematic map visualization techniques that are particularly
useful to decision makers, analysts, storytellers, and others who are looking to draw
insights from their data, tell a powerful story, or gain a greater understanding of the

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world around us. Following five map types encompass these symbolization
techniques.
1. A choropleth map is a thematic map where geographic regions are coloured,
shaded, or patterned in relation to a value.
2. A heat map represents the intensity of an incident’s occurrence within a
dataset. A heat map uses colour to represent intensity
3. A proportional symbol map can represent data tied to a specific geographical
point or data that is aggregated to a point from a wider area. In these maps, a
symbol is used to represent the data at that specific or aggregate point, and
then scaled by value, so that a larger symbol represents a greater value. The
size of each symbol can be proportional to the value you are visualizing or you
can set 3 to 5 ‘classes’ of values allowing for comparison and classification of
locations.
4. A dot density map uses a dot to represent a feature or attribute in your data.
Some dot density maps are ‘one-to-one’ in which each dot represents a single
occurrence or data point, or ‘one to many’ in which each dot represents a set
of aggregated data, for example one dot may represent 100 individuals with a
certain attribute. Both of these types of dot density map visualize the scatter of
your data, which can provide insights into where instances of an occurrence
are clustered.
5. An animated time-series map is more of a technique than a type, if your data
has a temporal component (taking place over time), you can transform any of
the above visualizations into an animated time-series map. Looking at your
data over time can both improve your ability to gain insights and create a
stronger and more compelling visual.

4.7 Map Colours

Topographic symbols and Colours used for map body are usually shown in the map
legend. Red, Black and Yellow for Road network, Blue for all hydrography features,
Brown for terrain, Black for Trigonometrical points, Red and Black for Toponomy
and Boundaries, and Green, Yellow, Blue, Brown for Land use with or without
patterns. Modifications of these colours may be needed occasionally on some areas
under unique circumstances. Consequently, the symbol legend and other marginal
information should be carefully chosen before preparing any map.

4.8 Map Abbreviations

Topographic Abbreviations are listed below with their meanings, authorized for use
on the standard topographic and Thematic maps discussed in this manual. These
abbreviations are suitable to use specially in 1:50,000 topographic map series and this
list can be increased with new abbreviations for other common buildings in future.

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A minimum number of abbreviations should be used on the map. They are employed
when the space is not enough to insert full term or when term is repeated excessively.
No spaces are used for abbreviations. Periods are omitted from abbreviations on the
body of the map but they are normally retained in the margin.

In addition to the abbreviations listed herein, standard or commonly accepted

abbreviations of time, measures and directions are authorized. e.g.- mN-meter North,
km – kilometre. See Appendix III for topographical abbreviations.

4.9 Marginal Information

Marginal information is composed of items appearing in the margins of maps, which

serve to identify any individual map completely. These identifications are the series
name and scale, the edition number, the Sheet Name, the sheet numbers, publisher’s
note, on maps prepared by the Survey Department.

4.9.1. Series name and the Scale

A map series normally consists of maps of the same scale, which collectively
covers a specific area, is generally assigned the geographic name of the area
covered. The map scale is written as a ratio of map distance to its
corresponding ground distance. Example: Sri Lanka 1:50,000 digital series
(Series number also can be introduced in future).

4.9.2. Edition Number

The edition number is a specific identification based on the publication

sequence of a particular map. Edition Numbers run consecutively, thus it can
be assumed that a map labelled with a higher edition number contains more
recent information than another print with a lower edition number.

4.9.3. Sheet Name

Generally, a map is named after its outstanding cultural or geographic feature.

The name of a cultural feature is customarily chosen, but if a geographic
feature is better known than any cultural feature appearing on the map, the
geographic name is chosen. Sheet name is shown in Top Middle of the margin.

4.9.4. Sheet Number

Sheet Number for 1:50,000 scale maps are based on National Rectangular Co-
ordinate system covering the area to be mapped. The co-ordinate system is
500,000 South and 500,000 West of ‘Pidurutalagala’. Sheet Number is shown
in Top right corner of the margin and as well as Bottom Left Corner under the
Logo. Please see the Key diagram of 1:50,000 in Figure 2.3.

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Series Number of 1:10,000 scale map is referred by the corresponding

1:50,000 map sheet covering the same area. e.g.: 61/20.

4.9.5 Publisher’s note

To take responsible for the publishing of Maps, a Publisher’s Note is inserted

as marginal Information. This is followed by the year of revision (if any) and
year of printing.

4.9.6 Other marginal Information

In addition to the identifications described above, the margin of a map

contains other information important to the user in evaluating and interpreting
the map.

Following marginal information is available in the 1:50,000 and 1:10,000

scaled maps prepared by the Survey Department.

1. Compilation note.
2. Co-ordinate system.
3. Reference system.
4. Elevations.
5. Geometric Information.
6. Symbol legend.
7. Administrative Index.
8. Location Diagram.
9. Copy Right note.
10. Users’ note.
11. Bar scale and scale note.
4.9.6.1. Compilation note

Compilation note aids in evaluating the map and contains interpretive

information. The note describes the method of preparation, identifies the
source material used in compilation, gives the dates of aerial photography
satellite imagery and field revision, and resolution of Image, scale of Aerial
photography and field revision, and includes any special information pertinent
to the particular sheet.

4.9.6.2 Co-ordinate system

Name of the projected co-ordinate system and projections, central meridian,

Datum and interval of Geographical co-ordinates are shown.

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4.9.6.3 Key diagram

It helps locate the map with map numbering system.

4.9.6.4 Elevation

It describes the contour interval and its measuring unit, and Bathymetric
Contours.

4.9.6.5 Geometric Information

This note indicates relationship between true north, magnetic north and grid
north for the major grid at the centre of the sheet. It also shows the annual
change.

4.9.6.6 Symbol legend

The symbol legend defines and illustrates the symbols most commonly used
such as populated places, roads and railways etc. It also contains symbols for
items peculiar to the area being mapped.

4.9.6.7 Administrative Index

The Index to the boundaries identifies the Administrative area appearing in the
body of the map. The boundaries in the diagram are schematic but serve as
aids in locating the boundaries on the map. In 1:50,000 and 1:10,000 scale
maps, this information is shown in the administrative index.

4.9.6.8 Location diagram

This is an index to adjoining sheets on 1:50,000 and 1:10,000 scale maps and
its location identify the surrounding sheets.

4.10 Accuracy of Maps

Accuracy refers to the closeness of results of observations, computations, or estimates
of graphic map features to their true value or position. Relative accuracy is a
measure of the accuracy of individual features on a map when compared to other
features on the same map.

4.10.1. Graphical resolution

Graphical resolution on a map is the minimum distance that can be measured of

objects or between objects. On a map of 1: 10,000, 10 cm represents 1 km and on a
map of 1: 50,000, 2 cm represents 1 km. It is apparent, smaller the scale, resolution
decreases. According to empirical studies, minimum distance that can be estimated
from a map is one fourth (1/4) of a millimetre. According to this estimation, graphical
resolution of a map at the scale of 1: 10k is 2.5m on ground and it is 12.5m on ground
at the scale of 1: 50k.
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4.10.2. Map accuracy standards

The National Map Accuracy Standard (NMAS) provides insurance that maps
conform to established accuracy specifications, thereby providing consistency and
confidence in their use in geospatial applications.
1. Horizontal accuracy. For maps on publication scales larger than 1:20,000, not
more than 10 percent of the points tested shall be in error by more than 0.085cm,
measured on the publication scale; for maps on publication scales of 1:20,000 or
smaller, 0.051cm. These limits of accuracy shall apply in all cases to positions of
well-defined points only. Well-defined points are those that are easily visible or
recoverable on the ground, such as the following: monuments or markers, such as
bench marks, property boundary monuments; intersections of roads, railroads, etc.;
corners of large buildings or structures (or centre points of small buildings), etc. In
general what is well defined will be determined by what is plottable on the scale of
the map within 0.25mm (graphical resolution). Thus, while the intersection of two
road or property lines meeting at right angles would come within a sensible
interpretation, identification of the intersection of such lines meeting at an acute angle
would obviously not be practicable within 0.25mm. Similarly, features not
identifiable upon the ground within close limits are not to be considered as test points
within the limits quoted, even though their positions may be scaled closely upon the
map.
• If larger than 1:20,000-scale, use this calculation: 0.085 x scale / 100 = ground
meters.
• If 1:20,000-scale or smaller, use this calculation: 0.051 x scale / 100 = ground
meters.
Examples of Horizontal Accuracy:
• For 1:10,000-scale maps: 0.085 x 10,000 / 100 = 8.5 meters
• For 1:50,000-scale maps: 0.051 x 50,000 / 100 = 25.5 meters
2. Vertical Accuracy, as applied to contour maps on all publication scales, shall be
such that not more than 10 percent of the elevations tested shall be in error more than
one-half the contour interval. In checking elevations taken from the map, the apparent
vertical error may be decreased by assuming a horizontal displacement within the
permissible horizontal error for a map of that scale.

5.0 Quality Control

Mapping quality is directly related to the quality of data handled at each stage of
cartographic production.

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5.1 Quality Control Procedures

All the Topographical & Thematic map series in the Survey Department should go
through the quality control procedure. This has to be performed to enhance the quality
of the map in keeping with the standards for all the printed Topographical and
Thematic maps. There are number of key parameters to be checked in order to make
quality control activities are they are listed as follows:.

- Positional accuracy: Plannimetric accuracy and accuracy of elevation

- Completeness: Checking for gaps of feature representation (features that should be

mapped are not depicted) and inclusion of non-existent features (features that do not
appear on the images are mapped out), and checks for features with incorrect shapes
and geometries.

- Logical consistency: topological relationship among features, application of correct

symbology, matching of features across adjoining tiles.

- Semantic quality: correct representation of feature description, definition and its

classification.

- attribute precision: correct association of attributes for each feature or set of features

5.1.1 Map Layout

Checking if the correct layout is chosen based on the requirement of distribution of

details, printing paper size and plate size.

5.1.2 Map Data

Checking the adequacy of data used to represent the map in accordance with the scale.

5.1.3 Enhancement and Name placement

Checking position of name placement according to the cartographic rules.

5.1.4 Legend and Colours

Checking the legend and colours to see if they are in accordance with the specification.

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6.0 Printing Process

The printing process is carried out by the Lithographic Printing Branch. The branch
consists of four printing sections to carry out tasks, namely, pre-press planning section,
plate making section, printing section and dispatch unit.

All the map data for printing will be sent to Lithographic printing branch in portable
document format (pdf) along with printed hard copy. Colour separation values of each
map have to be checked at Lithographic printing branch with the help of a computer.
Once the digital map in pdf format is satisfied with all the requirements, it is sent for
positive preparation or computer to print (CTP) plate making.

All the forms and other booklets and pdf files are handled at Lithographic printing
branch in the pre-press planning section. This section involves checking the layout
and creating a final pdf file.

Map pdf file + Forms/Booklets

Hard Copy + Hard Copy

Litho Branch

Checking the colour Layout Design

(CYMK) on screen

Colour Print the final layout at

Separation SD on Tracing Paper

Plate making

Check the
positives

Printing the Map at Colour Offset Machine

Figure 6. 1 Printing Process

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7.0 Map Dissemination Methods

7.1 Introduction
This chapter describes the methodology to disseminate or distribute map production
to the map user. Easy availability of a product is the main factor to make it popular
among map users. In case of spatial information, the access to the information on time
is vital for almost all users. So, the dissemination method used for map products
should be efficient in such a way that they should not to be outdate when they are
received by the user. And also the method of deployment of maps should be cost
effective, hence most suitable method should be selected on case basis to have
effective dissemination.

7.2 Printed Map Dissemination Methods

 Map Sales Outlet (SGO and DSOO)

Map sale outlets are the places or dedicated shops where maps are stored for
sale. They should sufficiently facilitate the customers to select the best map
for their use by the use of a well-organized map catalogue and a digital
inventory of different maps putting them on display at customer request. A
payment for a map or a set of maps should also be arranged from the map
inventory itself. The outlet should be properly arranged to have an attractive
look of the map shop. Precautions are to be taken for the safety of maps to
prevent any damages, deformations or colour shading to support long term
storing.

 Mobile sale vehicle

Properly arranged vehicle can be used to sale maps at places where target
groups of map users stay. A reasonable amount of maps should be carried in
this type of vehicle to prevent unnecessary damages or losses.

 Temporary Sale Outlet (at Exhibitions, Conferences etc.)

Temporary sale outlets can also be established in the places where people
gathered for a short term activities like Conference or Exhibition. Selective
varieties and amount of maps should be carried out for this type of temporary
outlet with pre estimated target.

 By Post or Courier
A third party means that it is a delivery like post or courier services can be
utilized to distribute maps to the users. Cost effective but sufficient steps to be
taken to protect the map/s packing should be done for this kind of delivery.

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7.3 Digital Map Dissemination Methods

 Hard media (CD, DVD, Flash drive )

Digital maps which are in standard interoperable formats such as .SHP, .DXF,
GEOTIFF, SVG etc. can be copied to any hard media like CD, DVD, Flash
drive etc. and delivered to map user by using any kind of methods described in
the printed map dissemination methodology.

 Email
Digital maps can be delivered to dedicated users by email. However, there
may be limitation of file size in attaching and sending digital files by email.
Cloud storage web based drives such as Google Drive, One Drive are a god
alternative to send heavy data files usually greater than 20MB in size.

 Internet
Both interactive (dynamic) maps and fixed (static) maps can be distributed
through the internet. Interactive maps can be published and downloaded
through web map services and can be visualized in a web page or a part of
web page.

 TV
Maps depicting important public notifications / alerts / warnings can be
communicated very effectively through this media. Maps prepared for this
purpose should be simple and visually appealing for any layman.

 Display Screen
Maps made for digital displays to be prepared considering the digital characteristics
of the display such as resolution, contrast, colour depth, size and surrounding
environment.

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Appendix I – 1:10k and 1:50k Symbol Library

a. 1:50k Map Reference of Transportation

TRANSPORTATION
Interchange
E1 !P Expressway

N9
¬
«A23
Kilometer Marker
National Highway ( A )

«
¬
B237 National Highway (B)

Road Under Construction

Expressway/National Highway
Secondary Road
Track
Foot Path
Road on Bund

Railway - Single Track

Railway - Double Track
Railway- Multi Track
Railway on Bund

Level Crossing Protected / Unprotected

Ð !( Railway Station / Sub Station

9
9 Railway Tunnel
9
9 Road Tunnel
Fr / Fd
Ferry /Ford

Causeway
-
-
- Road Bridge

- Foot Bridge
-
- Rail Bridge

Overpass / Underpass

8
Flyover Bridge
8

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b. 1:50k Map Reference of Hydrographical Features

WATER FEATURES

Abandoned
Tunnel Tank
Bund Spill

#
*
Tank
Str e am
JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ

#
JJJJJJJJJJ

*
Cha nnel Sluice
Anicut
Waterhole :
Ca

!
Spring
na l

Waterfall

c. 1:50k Map Reference of General Features

GENERAL FEATURES

Built- up Area
"
Building
"
Building Important

Buddhist Temple / Hindu Temple

† Church / Mosque

E School / Hospital

»³ Post Office / Historical Site

^ ^ Police Station / Courts

Airport-International / Domestic
o
o

#
6 # h Light House or Beacon / Power Station
# Ë

d. 1:50k Map Reference of Boundaries

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e. 1:50k Map Reference of Land use

f. 1:50k Map Reference of Toponyms

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g. 1:10k Map Reference of Transportation

h. 1:10k Map Reference of Transmission Line

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i. 1:10k Map Reference of Water Features

j. 1:10k Map Reference of General Features

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k. 1:10k Map Reference of Boundaries

l. 1:10k Map Reference of Land use

m. 1:10k Map Reference of Toponym

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n. 1:10k and 1:50k Map Reference of Relief

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Appendix II – Topographical 10k data Structure

Layer Data layer Name Feature Class(layer features)
1. Transportation TR_Transport TR_Transport_pt
TR_Transport _Li
2. Hydrography Hy_Hydro Hy-Hydro_Pt
Hy-Hydro_Li
Hy-Hydro_Pg

3. Building Foot prints CO_Building CO_Building_Li

CO_Building_Pg
4. Land Use LU_Land use LU_Land use_pt
LU_Land use_Li
LU_Land use_Pg
5. Terrain TE_Terrain TE_Terrain _Pt
TE_Terrain_Li

6. Utility elements. UT_Utility UT_Utility_Pt

UT_Utility_Li
6. Reserves LU_Reserve LU_Reserve_Li
LU_Reserve_Pg
7. Toponym CA_Toponym CA_Toponym_Pt
8. Administrative Boundary AD_Admin Boundary AD_Admin Boundary_Li
AD_Admin Boundary_Pg

Layer Feature Classification 1 GFCODE SDCODE

CO_Building_Pg Airport APRTA 1402
Bank Building BANKA 1218
Buddhist Temple BTMPA 1201
Building Under Construction BLDCA 1104
Building -Unspecified BLDGA 1101
Bus Depot BUSDA 1301
Bus halt BUSHA 1301
Bus Stand BUSSA 1301
Cemetery Building CMTBA 1101
Church CHRHA 1203
Cinema/Theatre CITHA
Circuit Bungalow CTBNA 1216
Commercial Buildings CMMBA 1101
Courts - District DCRTA 1210
Courts - High HCRTA 1210
Courts - Magistrate MCRTA 1210
Courts - Unspecified UCRTA 1210
Dispensary DSPNA 1207
Factory Building FCTRA 1219
Filling Station FLSTA 1221
Hindu Temple (Kovil) HTMPA 1202
Historical Sites HSTSA 1104
Hospitals – Base BHSPA 1206

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Layer Feature Classification 1 GFCODE SDCODE

CO_Building_Pg Hospitals – District DHSPA 1206
Hospitals – General GHSPA 1206
Hospitals – Private PHSPA 1206
Hospitals – Rural RHSPA 1206
Hospitals – Teaching THSPA 1206
Hospitals - Unspecified UHSPA 1206
Hotel HOTLA 1214
Housing Scheme (Flat) HSCHA
Light House LTHSA 1217
Mosque MOSQA 1204
Other Govt. Building GVTBA 1101
Police Post PLCPA 1209
Police Station PLCSA 1208
Port PORTA 1403
Post Office - Agency APOFA 1213
Post Office - Main MPOFA 1211
Post Office - Sub SPOFA 1212
Post Office - Unspecified UPOFA 1212
Pre School (Montisory/Nursery) PRSCA
Private House PTHSA 1101

Layer Feature Classification 1 GFCODE SDCODE

CO_Building_Pg Railway Halt RLHTA 2305
Railway Station RLSTA 2304
Reception Hall REPHA
Rest House RTHSA 1215
School - International ISCHA 1205
School - Unspecified USCHA 1205
Schools – Central College CSCHA 1205
Schools – Maha Vidyalaya MSCHA 1205
Schools – Other types OSCHA 1205
Schools – Primary PSCHA 1205
Schools -National NSCHA 1205
Schools – Private
Teachers Training College TTHCA 1101
Technical College TCHCA 1101
Tertiary Educational Institutes TREIA 1101
University UNSTA 1101
Water Tower (Water Board) TOWRA
Building -Other types BLDOA
Other Religious Building RIGBA

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Feature Description GFCODE SDCODE

CA_Grid_Li GRID LINE GRIDL

Layer Feature Classification 1 Classification2 GFCODE SDCODE

TR_Transport_Pt 1- Node Junction Name JUNCP
Railway Crossing - RLCPP 9203
Protected
Railway Crossing - RLCUP 9203
Un protected
Expressway
Interchange EXINP
Jetty JETYP

2 - Specific transport point Helicopter Pad HLPDP 2403

Kilometer posts KLMPP 2202
Mile Posts MILEP

Layer Feature Classification GFCODE SDCODE

TR_Transport_Li Boat Service Route BOATL
Bridge BRDGL 2208
Expressway EXPRL 2101
Expressway on Bridge EXBRL 2101
Expressway Overpass EXOPL 2101
Expressway Underpass EXUPL 2101
Ferry FRRYL 2204
Footpath (FTPHL) FPTHL 2107
Footpath along Tunnel FPTNL 2107
Footpath Old FPTOL 2107
Footpath on Bridge FPBRL 2107
Footpath on Bund FPBNL 2107
Footpath on Causeway FPCWL 2107
Foot Path on Embankment FPEML
Ford (Shallow place in a river) FORDL 2205
Lane LANEL 2106
Main Roads MNRDL 2103
Main road along Tunnel MRTNL 2103
Main road on Bridge MRBRL 2103
Main road on Bund MRBNL 2103
Main road on Causeway MRCWL 2103
Main Road on Dam MRDML
Main Road on Embankment MREML
Main Road on Excavation MREXL
Main Road Fly over MRFOL
Main Road Overpass MROPL 2103

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Layer Feature Classification GFCODE SDCODE

Main Road Underpass MRUPL 2103
Miscellaneous Line MISCL
TR_Transport_Li Pedestrian Cross Over Expressway PCOEL
Pedestrian Cross Over Main Road PCOML
Pedestrian Cross Over Railway PCORL

Layer Feature Classification 1 GFCODE SDCODE

TR_Transport_Li Railway RAILL 2301
Railway (Abandoned/Dismantled) RLABL 2306
Railway line & Main Road on Bridge RRBRL 2301
Railway line along Tunnel RLTNL 2301
Railway line crossing protected RLCPL 2301
Railway line on Bridge RLBRL 2301
Railway line on Bund RLBNL 2301
Railway line on Embankment RLEML 2301
Railway Overpass RLOPL
Railway Under Construction RLUCL 2301
Railway Underpass RLUPL
Road Under Construction RDUCL 2203
Runway RNWYL 2402
Secondary/Minor Roads SDRDL 2105
Secondary/Minor Roads Old SDROL 2105
Secondary/Minor Road on Bridge SRBRL 2105
Secondary/Minor Road on Bund SRBNL 2105
Secondary/Minor Road on Causeway SRCWL 2105
Secondary/Minor Road on Dam SRDML 2105
Secondary/Minor Road along Tunnel SRTNL 2105
Secondary/Minor Road on Embankment SREML 2105
Secondary/Minor Road Overpass SROPL 2105
Secondary/Minor Road Underpass SRUPL 2105
Suspension Bridge SUBRL 2208
Taxiway TXWYL 2401
Jeep/Cart Track TRCKL 2106
Jeep/Cart Track Old TRKOL 2106
Track along Tunnel TRTNL 2106
Track on Bridge TRBRL 2106
Track on Bund TRBNL 2106
Track on Causeway TRCWL 2106
Track on Embankment TREML 2106
Track Overpass TROPL 2106
Track Underpass TRUPL 2106
Road Directions TRANS
Jetty JETYL

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Layer Feature Classification1 Classification 2 GFCODE SDCODE

HY_Hydro_Pt 1 - Hydro Anicut ANCTP 9307
Node
Flood Gate FLGAP 3212
SLUICE SLCEP 3210
SPILL SPLLP 3209
Water Fall WTRFP 9306
2 - Specific Culvert CLVTP 2212
Hydro Point
Spring SPRNP 9314
Tower (Water ) TOWRP 1303
Tube well TBWLP 9314
Well WELLP 9314
HY_Hydro_Li 1 - Water Aqueduct AQUEL
centerline
Canal CNNLL 3102
Channel (Abandoned) CHNAL 3102
Irrigation Channel CHNLL 3107
Irrigation Channel virtual
line CHNLV
Spill line SPLLL
Stream STRML 3102
Stream virtual (Line) STRMV
Tunnel (Water) TNNLL 3214
2 - Waterarea Arcs to close all polygons
boundary in HYDRO HYDRV
Boundary of Canal CNNLL 3102
Boundary of Irrigation
Channel CHNLL 3107
Boundary of Reservoir RSVRL 3111
Bund lines BUNDL 3207
Canal virtual line CNNLV
Irrigation Channel virtual
line CHNLV
Lagoon Boundary LAGNL 3112
Lagoon Boundary Virtual LAGNV
Lake boundary LAKEL
Lewaya/Salt pan Boundary LEWYL
Lewaya/Salt pan Boundary
Virtual LEWYV
Pond boundary PONDL 3106
Spill line SPLLL
Stream Boundary STRML
Stream Boundary virtual STRMV
Swimming Pool SWMPL 3114
Tank (abandoned) boundary TNKAL 3110
Tank boundary TANKL 3109
Tank boundary Virtual TANKV
Tunnel (Water) TNNLL 3214

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Layer Feature Classification1 Classification 2 GFCODE SDCODE

HY_Hydro_Li 2 - Waterarea Villu Boundary VLLUL
boundary Waste Water Treatment Plant
(Waste/Sewage) WWTPL
Water holes boundary WTRHL 3113
Water Treatment Plant (Drinking) WTPLL
3 - Other Water Anicut ANCTL
line
Bund lines(Abandoned) - BNDAL ATBNL 3208
Bund under Construction/Proposed BUNPL
Channel under Construction/Proposed CHNPL
Dam lines DAML 3205
Embankment EMBRL 7201
External Island ILEXL
Inland Island ILINL
Outline of the country OUTBL 3101
Outline virtual OUTBV
Spring SPRNL
Tank under Construction/Proposed TNKPL
Waterfall Line WTRFL

Layer Feature Classification1 GFCODE SDCODE

HY_Hydro_Pg Abandoned Bund area BNDAA
Abandoned channel area CHNAA 3102
Abandoned Tank area TNKAA 3110
All sea area SEAA
Aqueduct Area AQUEA
Bund area BUNDA
Canal area CNNLA 3102
Irrigation Channel area CHNLA
Islands area ILNDA
Lagoon area LAGNA 3112
Lake LAKEA 3105
Lewaya/Salt pan area LEWYA
Old Stream area STROA 3102
Pond area PONDA 3106
Reservoir area RSVRA 3111
Stream area STRMA 3102
Swimming Pool area SWMPA 3114
Tank area TANKA 3109
Tunnel area TNNLA 3214
Villu area VLLUA
Waste Water Treatment Plant (Waste/Sewage) WWTPA
Water holes area WTRHA 3113
Water Treatment Plant (Drinking) WTPLA

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Layer Feature Luse Luse Classification 2 GFCODE SDCODE

Classification 1
LU_Landuse_Pg 1 - Cultivation Cashew CSHWA 6207
area
Chena CHENA 6217
Cinnamon CNMNA 6205
Citronella CTNLA 6206
Coconut (C) CCNTA 6204
Coconut Nursery CCNNA 6204
Mixed tree and other perennial
crops MIXDA 6212
Oil Palm OLPMA 6209
Other cultivation OTHRA 6211
Paddy (P) PDDYA 6201
Paddy-abandoned PDYAA
Palmyra PLMRA 6208
Plantation area PLTNA 6211
Prawn Cultivation PRWNA 6225
Rubber (R) RBBRA 6203
Sparsely used cropland SPRSA 6213
Sugarcane SGCNA 6210
Tea (T) TEAA 6202
Unclassified UNCLA

2 - Forest area Dense Forest FRSDA 6216

Forest - Unclassified (F) FRSUA 6216
Forest Plantation FRSPA 6215
Open Forest FRSOA 6214
Unclassified UNCLA

3 - Boggy Area Mangrove MNGRA 6218

Marsh MRSHA 6220
Swamp SWMPA 6219
Unclassified UNCLA

4 - Bare area Associated non-agricultural land NLNDA

Barren land (BL) BRRNA 6223
Clay Pit CLPTA
Garbage Area GRBGA
Grassland GRSLA 6222
Gravel Pit GRVPA
Scrub land SCRBA 6221
Unclassified UNCLA
Waste Land WASTA 6221

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Layer Feature Luse Luse Classification 2 GFCODE SDCODE

Classification 1
LU_Landuse_Pg 5 - Rock area Distorted surface DSTSA
Quarry QRRYA
Rock (RK) ROCKA 6226
Unclassified UNCLA

6 - Builtup area Agricultural farms AGRCA 5202

Airport ARPTA
Aquatic farms AQTCA 5201
Built up area BLTPA 5103
Car Park CPAKA
Cemetery CMTYA 5301
Container Yard CTYDA
Homesteads/Garden (G) HOMSA 5103
Livestock farms LVSTA 5203
Park PARKA
Playground PLGDA 5102
Reservation RSRVA
Road area (only 1K) ROADA
Runway area RNWYA
Salt pan area SALPA 6225
Unclassified UNCLA

7 - Sand area Sand SANDA 6224

8 - Water area All waters area HYDRA

Layer Feature Classification1 GFCODE SDCODE

LU_Reserves_Pg Forest Reserves RSVBA 8107
Mahaweli Authority area MAZBA
Wildlife Reserves WLRSA 8107

Layer Feature Classification1 GFCODE SDCODE

CO_Toponomy_Pt Estate Name ESTTP 9808
Housing Scheme HSCHP
Miscellaneous point MISCP
Place Names PLCEP 9807
Town Name TOWNP 9807
Trig points TRIGP 7401
Village Name VILLP 9807

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Layer Feature Classification1 GFCODE SDCODE

UT_Utility_Pt Telecommunication Tower TTOWP
Tower (Hightension) TOWRP 1303
TRANSFORMER STATION TRNSP 4103
Windmill WNMLP
Wind Turbine WNTBP
UT_Utility_Li Electric Wire Fence ETWFL
Power House/Grid Stations PWHSL 1222
Power transmission line PWERL 4102
Water Pipe Line WTPLL
Penstock line PNSTL
TE_Terrain_Pt Spot Height Points SPHTP 7404
TE_Terrain_Li Bathematic Contours BATHL 7106
Depression line DEPRL 7107
Index Contours INDXL 7101
Index Contours - Uncertain INDUL 7102
Intermediate Contours INTRL 7103
Intermediate Contours - Uncertain INTUL 7104
Supplementary Contours SUPPL 7105
Uncertain Contours UNCRL 7104

Layer Feature Classification1 GFCODE SDCODE

AD_Boundary_Li Province boundary PRVBL 8102
District boundary DSTBL 8103
DS boundary DSDBL 8104
GN boundary GNDBL 8105
Local Govt. boundary LGVBL 8106
Exclusive Economic Zone EEZBL
Contiguous Zone limit COZBL
Territorial waters limit TERBL
Outline of the country OUTBL 3101
Outline of the country - virtual OUTBV 3101
Arcs to close all polygons in ADMIN ADMNV

Extras GN Division Name GNDVP 9805

PR_Mahaweli_Li Classification 1
Project Boundary PRJBL 8106
System Boundary SYTBL 8106
Zone Boundary ZONBL 8106
Block Boundary BLKBL 8106
Unit Boundary UNTBL 8106

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Appendix III – Abbreviations

BSt - Bus Stand

CBS - Central Bus Stand

Cem - Cemetery

Dept - Department

DistS - District Secretariat

DivS - Divisional Secretariat

MBS - Main Bus Stand

MC - Municipal Council

Mty - Ministry

PC - Provincial Council

PS - Pradeshiya Sabha

RS - Railway Station

RH - Railway Halt

UC - Urban Council

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Glossary

GIS Terms

Attribute: A characteristic of a geographic feature, typically stored in tabular format

and linked to the feature in a relational database. The attributes of a well-represented
point might include an identification number, address, and type.

Base Layer: A primary layer for spatial reference, upon which other layers are built.
Examples of a base layer typically used are either the parcels, or street centre lines.

Buffer: A zone of a specified distance around a feature.

Clip: A clip is a method of overlay that involves clipping an input layer with the
extent of a defined feature boundary. The result of clip operation is a new clipped
output layer.

Coordinates: Coordinates are pairs (X, Y) or triplets (X, Y, Z) of values that are used
to represent points and features on a two and three-dimensional space. The X-value
represents the horizontal position and Y-value represents the vertical position. The Z-
value generally refers to the elevation at that point location.

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Database Management System (DBMS): A DBMS is a collection of tools that

permits the entry, storage, input, output and organization of data. It serves as an
interface between users and their database. A logical collection of interrelated
information managed and stored as a unit. A GIS database includes data about the
spatial location and shape of geographic features recorded as points, lines, and
polygons as well as their attributes. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) - Terrain
elevation data provided in digital form.

Database Schema: A database schema is supported in relational database

management systems (RDBMS) and acts as blueprints for how database entry will be
constructed.

Digitize: To encode map features as x,y coordinates in digital form. Lines are traced
to define their shapes. This can be accomplished either manually or by use of a
scanner.

Geocode: The process of identifying a location by one or more attributes from a base
layer.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): GIS is a computer-based tool that

analyzes, stores, manipulates and visualizes geographic information on a map. GIS
links geographic locations on Earth with attribute information enabling users to
visualize patterns, understand relationships and trends.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS): A satellite based device that records x,
y, z coordinates and other data. Ground locations are calculated by signals from
satellites orbiting the Earth. GPS devices can be taken into the field to record data
while walking, driving, or flying.

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Intersect (Overlay): This is a geoprocessing operation that that uses two inputs. The
input coverage can be a point, line, or polygon coverage. The output coverage will be
the same feature type as the input coverage. Only those features contained by
polygons in the intersect coverage will be preserved in the output coverage.

Layer: A logical set of thematic data described and stored in a map library. Layers act
as digital transparencies that can be laid atop one another for viewing or spatial
analysis. Line – Lines represent geographic features too narrow to be displayed as an
area at a given scale, such as contours, street centrelines, or streams.

Metadata: Metadata is data about data. Metadata describes the characteristics of a

dataset which includes abstract, coordinate system; attribute information, origin and
accuracy.

Point: A single x, y coordinate that represents a geographic feature too small to be

displayed as a line or area at that scale.

Polygon: A multisided figure that represents area on a map. Polygons have attributes
that describe the geographic feature they represent.

Scale: The ratio or relationship between a distance or area on a map and the
corresponding distance or area on the ground.

Spatial Analysis: The process of modelling, examining, and interpreting model

results. Spatial analysis is useful for evaluating suitability and capability, for
estimating and predicting, and for interpreting and understanding.

Structured Query Language (SQL): A syntax for defining and manipulating data
from a relational database. Developed by IBM in the 1970s, it has become an industry
standard for query languages in most relational database management systems.

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Theme: A theme stores map features as primary features (such as arcs, nodes,
polygons, and points) and secondary features such as tics, map extent, links, and
annotation. A theme usually represents a single geographic layer, such as soils, roads,
or land use.

Union: The union is the process of spatially combining two data layers preserving the
features from both layers at the same extents.

Vector Data Model: A vector data model is a common GIS feature representation of
spatial information based on defining coordinates and attribute information. Vectors
are points, polylines and polygons.

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Cartographic Terms

Basemap: A basemap is a background georeferenced image that gives a point of

reference on a map. Basemaps are non-editable and provides aesthetic appeal such as
aerial imagery, topography, terrain and street layers.

Bearing: A bearing is a direction expressed as a geographic angle measured from a

base line used in surveying and navigation.

Benchmark: Benchmarks are precisely surveyed points usually marked with a brass
or metal disk in the ground. Benchmark is a generic term sometimes referred as
survey marks, geodetic marks and control stations.

Bilinear interpolation: Bilinear interpolation is a technique for calculating values of

a grid location based on four nearby grid cells. It assigns the output cell value by
taking the weighted average of the four neighbouring cells in an image to generate
new values.

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Cartesian coordinate: A Cartesian coordinate system specifies each point uniquely

with a pair of numerical coordinates. Three-dimensional coordinate spaces have three
axes. Each axis has a single unit of length and orientation.

Cartography: Cartography is the study and science of representing real-world entities

on maps. Cartography combines aesthetics and science to communicate spatial
information in two or three dimensions.

Centroid: A centroid (or geometric center) is a central point of an area feature.

Centroids are defined as the average position of all the points in the shape.

Contour Line: A contour line is a constant value for mapping any variable such as
elevation and temperature maps. Contour lines are used to map equal values and
illustrate topography or relief on a map. They are also known as isopleth or isoline
maps.

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Control point: Control points are XY locations known to have a high degree of
accuracy. They are used to convert digitized coordinates from paper maps and
georeferencing to standard map projection coordinates.

Coordinate Transformation: A coordinate transformation is the conversion from a

non-projected coordinate system to a coordinate system using a series of
mathematical equations.

Data Model: The two main GIS data models are rasters (grids) and vectors. Rasters
are sets of pixels with a specific cell size. Vectors represent points, lines and polygons.

Digital Cartographic Model (DCM): Digital Cartographic model is a data structure

which enables strong cartographically enhanced data where much attribute is drawn to
maintain visual clearly rather than positional accuracy of data.

Entity: Entities represent real-world point, line or polygon features with a geographic
location. Features may refer to fire hydrants, hospitals, state boundaries, roads, rivers,
lakes, etc. Entities are stored in databases, where they can be retrieved and displayed
using GIS software.

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Feature: A feature is a cartographic point, line or polygon object with a spatial

location in the real-world landscape that can be used in a GIS for storage,
visualization and analysis.

Field (Attribute Table): An attribute field (or item) are characteristics used to
describe each feature in a geographic data set usually viewed as columns in a table.

Generalization Tool: The Generalization is the process of reading map details in

order to accommodate space where a small scale map is prepared for a large scale
map.

Geofencing: A virtual geographic boundary designed to give real-time alerts and

increases awareness.

Greenwich Meridian (Prime Meridian): The Greenwich meridian is a line of

longitude that passes through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England. In a
geographical coordinate system, it is a line of longitude defined to be 0°.

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Hydrography: Hydrography is a term describing the geographic representation of

water features such as streams, rivers and lakes in a GIS.

Interpolation: Interpolation is the estimation of unsampled locations based on known

location sampled values. Interpolation is often used in deriving elevation, temperature
and other predicted variables in a grid.

Latitude: Latitudes are spherical coordinates of Earth locations that vary in North-
South directions. Lines of latitude are angles on the Earth’s surface which ranges from
0° at the Equator to 90° (North or South) at the poles.

Longitude: Longitudes are coordinate on Earth that vary in east-west directions. They
are usually expressed in degrees ranging from 0° to +180° east and −180° west. The
prime meridian marks the 0° longitude and passes through the Royal Observatory in
Greenwich, England.

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Magnetic North Pole: The magnetic north is a point in Northern Canada where the
northern lines of attraction enter the Earth. Compass needles point in this direction
which differs from true geographic north.

Map Legend: A map legend is a visual graphic of the symbology used in a map that
tells the map reader what the polygons, lines, points or grid cells represents.

Map Projection: A map projection is a systematic rendering of features that renders a

3D ellipsoid or spheroid of Earth to a 2D map surface. Because 3D surfaces cannot be
displayed perfectly in a two-dimensional space, some distortions of conformality,
distance, direction, scale, and area always results from map projections.

Map Representation: Choropleth maps, Heat maps,

Meridian: Meridians (or lines of longitudes) are coordinate on Earth that vary in east-
west directions. They are usually expressed in degrees ranging from 0° to +180° east
and −180° west. The prime meridian marks the 0° longitude and passes through the
Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England.

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Neat Line: A neat line is a cartographic element that surrounds all the data, legend,
scale and other features in a map. A neat line can be solid or multiple line border that
helps map readers focus on details in the map.

North Arrow: A north arrow gives orientation to the map reader by showing the
north direction in a graphic.

Overshoot: An overshoot is a digitized line that extend past the intended line of
connection.

Pixels (GIS): Pixels are the grid cells that make up raster images. Each cell is
identical in size and records a brightness and colour in an image.

Polygon: A polygon is a closed, connected set of lines that defines a geographic

boundary with an area and perimeter. Examples are lakes, forests and country
boundaries.

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Rotate: An affine transformation changes points, polylines, polygons in a plane by

scaling, rotating, skewing, or translating coordinates in two or three-dimensional
spaces.

Scale Bar: A scale bar graphically shows the distance on the map with units such as
kilometres or meters. Scale bars are proportional to the scale of the map.

Scale: An affine transformation changes points, polylines, polygons in a plane by

scaling, rotating, skewing, or translating coordinates in two or three-dimensional
spaces.

Topology: Topology is a set rules that dictates the spatial properties of point, line and
area features such as connectivity, adjacency and contiguity.

Undershoot: An undershoot is considered to be a digitizing error in which the new

line falls short of the intended connection segment.
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Vertex: A vertex is a point that specifies a position on a line. Arcs and polylines are
comprised of sets of vertices all interconnected in individual features.

World Geodetic System 1984: WGS84 is a reference ellipsoid used for defining
spatial locations in three dimensions. WGS84 is commonly used as a basis for map
projections.

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Remote SensingnTerms

Panchromatic Image: A panchromatic image records wavelengths in only one band

resulting in gray scale images.

Orthophotograph: An orthophotograph is a vertical photograph with an orthographic

view using geometry and measurements to reduce tilt, terrain and perspective
distortions.

Parallax : Parallax is term used in photogrammetry that describes the apparent shift
in relative positions of Earth features when it viewed in different locations.

Passive Sensors: Passive remote sensing measure natural energy from the sun as
reflected sunlight or thermal radiation. Passive sensor examples are Landsat, SPOT
and GeoEye.

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Remote Sensing: Remote sensing is the science of obtaining information about the
Earth without physically being there. Examples remote sensing techniques are by
satellite, unmanned aerial vehicle and aircraft.

Wavelength: An electromagnetic wave produce sinusoidal patterns with

distinguishable shape and length. A wavelength is the distance between the peak of a
wave and its successive wave.

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Reference
Sciambi E.B. (1979) ‘Basic Cartographic Principles, prepared for the Survey
Department of Sri Lanka’, pp. 3-152.

Japan International Cooperation Agency Kokusai Kogyo Co. Ltd., Aero Asahi
Corporation, JICA (2012) ‘The Digital Topographic Mapping Project for
Reconstruction of Northern Region Final Report’, pp. 9-239

GIS Geography (2019) 'GIS Dictionary', Available at: https://gisgeography.com/gis-

dictionary-definition-glossary/ (Accessed 14th October 2019).

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