Buying Real Estate In Jamaica And The Classification Of Maps

Looking at the different classification of maps and how they affect Jamaica real estate and property. One can use maps for different reasons and it is important to know the different classification of maps that are further broken down into divisions.

Maps are classified in First Division by scale or Second Division by purpose. The first divisions by scale maps are considered to be either large-scale or small-scale. The scale can be referred to as ratio of the distance on a map, photograph or other graphic, which will corresponds to distance on the ground or other graphic. This is important knowledge to have when buying real estate in Jamaica.

A large-scale map is usually prepared from basic surveys (ground or aerial). That is the data and measurement gathering is conducted specifically to create the map. The process is usually referred to as basic mapping and, depending on how large the scale of the map is, the features can be represented as they are plotted, specifically with respect to Jamaica property.

The small-scale maps are created from large-scale maps through scale changes and a compilation process which involves the selection and generalization of features. Most items are exaggerated and some are displaced according to the hierarchy of importance dictated by the map purpose.

When a map is created from other maps the process is referred to as compiled mapping. The simplest case of compiled mapping is when a map is reduced through any photo process and issued as is. This is called a derived map. Most land surveyors will need to refer to these types of documents when preparing a land Surveyors Id report for someone buying real estate in Jamaica.

The division between what is small-scale and what is a large-scale map is not generally agreed by all and in fact there are some maps that are referred to as medium-scale. In British usage (which we usually follow for matters like this) maps at larger scales than 1:25,000 are considered large-scale. The Americans consider large-scale to begin at 1:75,000.

To avoid confusion, think of the maps as described above; a map created through basic mapping is usually large-scale and compiled mapping procedures usually create small-scale maps.

Second Division by Purpose
Map types, after the scale, the classification of maps relates to their purpose. For every purpose for which a map is created we may label the map to describe its use.

Some of the better known map types are as follows:

Topographic Map - A map which presents the horizontal and vertical positions of the features represented and is distinguished from a planimetric map by the addition of relief in measurable form. Another key map when building on Jamaica real estate.

Planimetric Map - A map which presents the horizontal positions only of features represented.
Cadastral Map - A map which shows the boundaries of subdivision of land, usually with the distances, bearings and the areas of individual tracts, for purposes of describing and recording ownership.

A map which shows only the boundaries (without the distances and bearings) is more correctly referred to as a Cadastral Index.

Schematic Map - Schematic means diagrammatic. A schematic map is therefore one which shows links (communication — roads, etc.) between places without regard for their true-plan position of the places or their links. They are diagrammatic and serve the purpose of depicting links only.

Example: The London Underground Train route map

Thematic Map - Thematic means of a theme. Therefore a thematic map is one which concentrates on a particular theme. Loosely this could be applied to any map which appears to be aimed at a particular purpose (instead of being general purpose). However, a map should only be considered to be thematic if the symbolization used focuses attention on the structure of the distribution of the dominant feature.

Example: A map may show population density in perhaps the form of different sized circles representing places and densities at the same time. A true thematic map would employ symbolization such as small dots representing a population figure which would allow clusters of population within the area to be indicated, thus showing how the population density is structured.

Hydrographic Map - A map or chart showing depths of water, the nature of the bottom, contours of the bottom and coastline, and the tides and currents in a given sea or sea and land area.