What Is Symbolization in Cartography?

Symbolization is an important skill in cartography, or map making. It is the process of choosing an appropriate representation for specific features on a map. We can symbolize point features as dots, squares, triangles, flags, or other shapes and we can symbolize line features using solid, dashed, or other patterns.

What is the meaning of symbolization?

1 : an act or instance of symbolizing. 2 : the human capacity to develop a system of meaningful symbols.

What is meant by symbolization of data?

At its simplest level of representation, spatial data exists as points, lines, areas, or rasters. But representing these features, combined with their attributes, often means encoding something more complex than just geographic location. Symbolization encodes both the where and what components of features.

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins

Senior Technology Editor & AI Specialist

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.