The cartography inventory: methodology and practice

Abstract

We reproduce in full in this dissemination note the methodological introduction we have written for the handling of the Cartographic Inventory of the Department of Geography at U.A.B. We considered that these documents sufficiently demonstrate the method of description, indexing, and classification of cartographic documents. To provide greater clarity to the text, we have expressly added the reproduction of the inventory sheets corresponding to a sample document, as well as excerpts from the thematic and toponymic indexes.

The difficulties in establishing a standardized system for cataloging cartographic documents fundamentally lie in the choice of criteria for individualizing the documents. Secondarily, the definition of descriptors is quite problematic due to their great variety. The solutions adopted in our Inventory are only some among the various possibilities. We hope they may prove useful and thought-provoking.