Symbols of narrative maps: compositional structure and working mechanism

doi:10.11947/j.AGCS.2025.20240175

Abstract

Abstract:

Nowadays, maps as important media for spatial practice have widely and deeply participated in social construction. Under such circumstances, narrative maps have become the academic frontier in contemporary cartography. However, due to the significant differences in theoretical paradigms and representation mechanisms between narrative maps and “scientific” maps, the theoretical and methodological underpinnings for the symbols of “scientific” maps do not suit to work for narrative maps. With an attempt to fill in these gaps, this study first, referring to the basic theoretical principles of modern semiotics, constructs the symbol system for narrative maps from three aspects, namely structure, semantics, and pragmatics. To be specific, we unfold the visual variables of different types of symbols in narrative maps, analyze the semantic characteristics of symbols, and explore the intertextual relationship of symbols. Following, the working mechanism of the symbol system is unraveled in two major points. On the one hand, the grammar rules for narrative map “texts” to aggregate meanings are proposed in reference to the structuralist symbol theory. One the other hand, guided the “context” theory of social semiotics, the regulatory mechanism of context is clarified through highlighting the roles of intertextual context, situational context and cultural context. This paper is believed to provide new theoretical insights into narrative cartography.

Key words: narrative maps, symbols, semiotics, grammar rules, working mechanism, cartography theory

CLC Number:

P285

Shiliang SU, Zichun LI, Qingyun DU, Qianqian LI, Mengjun KANG, Min WENG. Symbols of narrative maps: compositional structure and working mechanism[J]. Acta Geodaetica et Cartographica Sinica, 2025, 54(1): 165-181.

Figures/Tables 13

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Tab. 1

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Tab. 2

Tab. 3

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

Fig. 10

References 55

[1]	陈嬿, 张琼文, 王嘉琪, 等. 地图符号与情绪效价对AR地图用户空间记忆的影响研究[J]. 图学学报, 2023, 44(2): 399-407.
	CHEN Yan, ZHANG Qiongwen, WANG Jiaqi, et al. Effects of map symbols and emotional valence on AR map users' spatial memory[J]. Journal of Graphics, 2023, 44(2): 399-407.
[2]	乔莉鸽, 吴明光, 闾国年. 地图视觉变量语法结构的神经机理分析[J]. 地球信息科学学报, 2024, 26(1): 121-134.
	QIAO Lige, WU Mingguang, LÜ Guonian. Neural mechanism analysis of cartographic visual variables syntactic construction[J]. Journal of Geo-information Science, 2024, 26(1): 121-134.
[3]	王成舜, 陈毓芬, 郑束蕾. 顾及眼动数据的网络地图点状符号用户兴趣分析方法[J]. 武汉大学学报(信息科学版), 2018, 43(9): 1429-1437.
	WANG Chengshun, CHEN Yufen, ZHENG Shulei. User interest analysis method of web map point symbol considering eye movement data[J]. Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University, 2018, 43(9): 1429-1437.
[4]	何曼丽, 唐曦, 黄余明. 轨道交通线路图的站点符号表达对信息搜索速率的影响分析[J]. 地球信息科学学报, 2011, 13(3): 424-430。
	HE Manli, TANG Xi, HUANG Yuming. The impacts of station symbols in urban rail-transit maps on the information search efficiency[J]. Journal of Geo-information Science, 2011, 13(3): 424-430.
[5]	何晶, 张红, 曹炜威, 等. 地图符号拓扑紧凑性和异质性信息测度[J]. 测绘科学, 2017, 42(1): 131-135.
	HE Jing, ZHANG Hong, CAO Weiwei, et al. A new approach for quantifying the topological information considering the compact and heterogeneous structure of map symbols[J]. Science of Surveying and Mapping, 2017, 42(1): 131-135.
[6]	张晓楠, 江南, 张亚军, 等. 一种利用空间布局构建统计制图符号的方法[J]. 武汉大学学报(信息科学版), 2015, 40(12): 1653-1660.
	ZHANG Xiaonan, JIANG Nan, ZHANG Yajun, et al. A building method of statistical cartographic symbols by using the space layout[J]. Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University, 2015, 40(12): 1653-1660.
[7]	洪必文, 曹青, 张翎, 等. 基于自然语言形态描述的地理实体模拟表达方法[J]. 地球信息科学学报, 2019, 21(10): 1491-1501.
	HONG Biwen, CAO Qing, ZHANG Ling, et al. Simulated expression of geographical entities based on morphology description by natural language[J]. Journal of Geo-information Science, 2019, 21(10): 1491-1501.
[8]	付乐宜, 赵小阳, 吴凯华, 等. 科学绿化地理场景的动态符号设计与多尺度表达[J]. 测绘通报, 2023(11): 88-94.
	FU Leyi, ZHAO Xiaoyang, WU Kaihua, et al. Dynamic symbol design and multi-scale representation of scientific greening geographical scene[J]. Bulletin of Surveying and Mapping, 2023(11): 88-94.
[9]	田江鹏, 游雄, 贾奋励, 等. 地图符号的认知语义分析与动态生成[J]. 测绘学报, 2017, 46(7): 928-938. DOI:. doi: 10.11947/J.AGCS.2017.20160504
	TIAN Jiangpeng, YOU Xiong, JIA Fenli, et al. Cognitive semantic analysis and dynamic generation of cartographic symbols[J]. Acta Geodaetica et Cartographica Sinica, 2017, 46(7): 928-938. DOI:. doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2017.20160504
[10]	余懿韬, 闫浩文, 李精忠, 等. 面向微地图的手绘地图符号自动提取方法[J]. 地球信息科学学报, 2024, 26(7): 1646-1658.
	YU Yitao, YAN Haowen, LI Jingzhong, et al. Automatic extraction method of point symbols in modern hand-drawn maps for We-Map[J]. Journal of Geo-information Science, 2024, 26(7): 1646-1658.
[11]	周海霞, 霍亮, 朱杰, 等. 本体驱动下的地图符号共享方法研究[J]. 测绘通报, 2019(3): 81-85.
	ZHOU Haixia, HUO Liang, ZHU Jie, et al. Research on ontology driven map symbol sharing method[J]. Bulletin of Surveying and Mapping, 2019(3): 81-85.
[12]	苏世亮, 张江玥, 杜清运, 等. 历史文化风貌区叙事地图设计——可读性框架与表达策略[J]. 测绘科学, 2021, 46(10): 194-201.
	SU Shiliang, ZHANG Jiangyue, DU Qingyun, et al. Narrative map design for the areas with historical cultural features——readable framework and visualization strategy[J]. Science of Surveying and Mapping, 2021, 46(10): 194-201.
[13]	苏世亮, 王令琦, 杜清运, 等. 隐喻地图的基本理论问题[J]. 地球信息科学学报, 2024, 26(1): 72-84.
	SU Shiliang, WANG Lingqi, DU Qingyun, et al. Fundamental theoretical issues of metaphorical map[J]. Journal of Geo-information Science, 2024, 26(1): 72-84.
[14]	苏世亮, 王令琦, 杜清运, 等. 叙事地图的基本理论问题——逻辑理据、概念界定、表征机制与研究议题[J]. 测绘学报, 2023, 52(12): 2178-2196. DOI:. doi: 10.11947/J.AGCS.2023.20220324
	SU Shiliang, WANG Lingqi, DU Qingyun, et al. Revisiting narrative maps: fundamental theoretical issues and a research agenda[J]. Acta Geodaetica et Cartographica Sinica, 2023, 52(12): 2178-2196. DOI:. doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2023.20220324
[15]	吴明光, 郑培蓓, 邓国臣, 等. 线对象V-O分解与符号化算法[J]. 武汉大学学报(信息科学版), 2016, 41(3): 421-426.
	WU Mingguang, ZHENG Peibei, DENG Guochen, et al. V-O tessellation: an algorithm for polyline symbolization[J]. Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University, 2016, 41(3): 421-426.
[16]	周玉科, 周成虎, 马廷, 等. 数字地图要素样式结构化存储表达研究与实现[J]. 地理与地理信息科学, 2012, 28(3): 7-10.
	ZHOU Yuke, ZHOU Chenghu, MA Ting, et al. Research and implementation on structured store and expression of digital map feature style[J]. Geography and Geo-information Science, 2012, 28(3): 7-10.
[17]	陈泰生, 陈梦琳, 孙敬杰, 等. 一种GIS共享图形软件符号的方法[J]测绘科学, 2016, 41(8): 116-120.
	CHEN Taisheng, CHEN Menglin, SUN Jingjie, et al. A method of sharing graphic symbols for GIS[J] Science of Surveying and Mapping, 2016, 41(8): 116-120.
[18]	HARLEY J B. Historical geography and the cartographic illusion[J]. Journal of Historical Geography, 1989, 15(1): 80-91.
[19]	魏文展, 钟业勋, 彭月英, 等. 点状、线状和面状地图符号数学定义的研究[J]. 武汉大学学报(信息科学版), 2002, 27(4): 424-426.
	WEI Wenzhan, ZHONG Yexun, PENG Yueying, et al. Mathematical definitions of point, line and area symbols in cartography[J]. Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University, 2002, 27(4): 424-426.
[20]	黄鹄, 钟业勋. 点线面状地图符号定义的简化与统一[J]. 测绘科学, 2005, 30(6): 69-70.
	HUANG Hu, ZHONG Yexun. The simplify and unify of point, line and area map symbol definition[J]. Science of Surveying and Mapping, 2005, 30(6): 69-70.
[21]	弗迪南·德·索绪尔. 普通语言学教程[M]. 高名凯，译. 北京: 商务印书馆, 1980.
	Ferdinand de Saussure. Cours de linguistique générale[M]. GAO Mingkai, trans. Beijing: The Commercial Press, 1980.
[22]	MORRIS C W. Writings on the general theory of signs[M]. The Hague: Mouton, 1971: 45.
[23]	尚必武, 胡全生. 经典、后经典、后经典之后：试论叙事学的范畴与走向[J]. 当代外国文学, 2007(3): 120-128.
	SHANG Biwu, HU Quansheng. After the classic: on the category and trend of narrative studies[J]. Contemporary Foreign Literature, 2007(3): 120-128.
[24]	PEIRCE C S. The collected papers of Charles Sanders Peirce[M]. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1998: 1931-1935.
[25]	HODGE R, KRESS G. Social semiotics, style and ideology[M]//Sociolinguistics. London: Macmillan Education UK, 1997: 49-54.
[26]	荆其诚. 人类的视觉[M]. 北京: 科学出版社, 1987: 58.
	JING Qicheng. Human Vision[M]. Beijing: Science Press, 1987: 58.
[27]	W·J·T·米歇尔. 图像理论[M]. 陈永国, 胡文征，译. 北京: 北京大学出版社, 2006: 5.
	MICHELLE W J T. Picture theory[M]. CHEN Yongguo, HU Wenzheng, trans. Beijing: Peking University Press, 2006: 5.
[28]	凌善金, 王晓铃, 丁园园. 静态地图符号视觉变量的分类及作用[J]. 安徽师范大学学报(自然科学版), 2017, 40(1): 69-76.
	LING Shanjin, WANG Xiaoling, DING Yuanyuan. Classification and function of the visual variables of static map symbol[J]. Journal of Anhui Normal University (Natural Science), 2017, 40(1): 69-76.
[29]	刘和海. 符号学视角下的“图像语言”研究[D]. 南京: 南京师范大学, 2017.
	LIU Hehai. A study of “image language” from the perspective of semiotics[D]. Nanjing: Nanjing Normal University, 2017.
[30]	万雨竹. 光影效应在文字设计中的应用研究[D]. 杭州: 中国美术学院, 2018.
	WAN Yuzhu. The application of light and shadow effect in Typography[D]. Hangzhou: China Academy of Art, 2018.
[31]	季海宏. 皮尔斯符号学思想探索[D]. 南京: 南京师范大学, 2011.
	JI Haihong. Exploration of Pierce's semiotics thought[D]. Nanjing: Nanjing Normal University, 2011.
[32]	玛蒂娜·乔丽. 图像分析[M]. 怀宇，译. 天津: 天津人民出版社, 2012.
	JOLY M. Image analysis[M]. HUAI Yu, trans. Tianjin: Tianjin People's Publishing House, 2012.
[33]	苏世亮, 李千千, 李子纯, 等. 叙事地图的修辞体系框架——概念界定、类型划分与作用机制[J/OL]. 地球信息科学学报, 1-20 [2025-01-17]. http://kns.cnki.net/kcms/detail/11.5809.P.20241226.2130.008.html.
	SU Shiliang, LI Qianqian, LI Zichun, et al. Rhetoric of narrative maps: conceptualizations, categories, and working mechanism[J/OL]. Journal of Geo-information Science, 1-20 [2025-01-17]. http://kns.cnki.net/kcms/detail/11.5809.P.20241226.2130.008.html.
[34]	MARTINEC R. A system for image-text relations in new (and old) media[J]. Visual Communication, 2005, 4(3): 337-371.
[35]	MATTHIESSEN C M I M. Multisemiosis and context-based register typology: registerial variation in the complementarity of semiotic systems[M]. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009.
[36]	刘涛. 视觉修辞学[M]. 北京: 北京大学出版社, 2021.
	LIU Tao. Visual rhetoric[M]. Beijing: Peking University Press, 2021.
[37]	WITTGENSTEIN L. Philosophicad investigations[M]. ANSCOMBE G E M, trans. Oxford: Basi1 Blackwell, 1958: 31-32.
[38]	CHOMSKY N. Syntactic Structures[M]. Paris: Mouton de Gruyter, 1957: 24.
[39]	MANN W, THOMPSON S. Rhetorical structure theory: a theory of text organization[M]. Los Angeles: University of Southern California, Information Science Institute, 1987.
[40]	袁毓林. 词类范畴的家族相似性[J]. 中国社会科学, 1995(1): 154-170.
	YUAN Yulin. Family resemblances of Chinese word categories[J]. Social Sciences in China, 1995 (1): 154-170.
[41]	张兵华. 传统村落公共空间的图式语言[M]. 北京: 中国建材工业出版社, 2023.
	ZHANG Binghua. The schematic language of traditional village public spaces[M]. Beijing: China Building Material Industry Publishing House, 2023.
[42]	MALINOWSKI B. Coral gardens and their magic (Vol. 2)[M]. London: Routledge, 1935.
[43]	胡壮麟, 朱永生. 系统功能语言学概论[M]. 北京: 北京大学出版社, 2005.
	HU Zhuanglin, ZHU Yongsheng. Introduction to systemic functional linguistics[M]. Beijing: Peking University Press, 2005.
[44]	KRISTEVA J. Text, dialogue, and fiction[J]. Criticism, 1967, 239, 434-443.
[45]	CULLER J. The pursuit of signs[M]. Cornell: Cornell University Press, 1981: 103-104,109.
[46]	赵毅衡. 符号学原理与推演[M]. 南京: 南京大学出版社, 2011.
	ZHAO Yiheng. Semiotics principles & problems[M]. Nanjing: Nanjing University Press, 2011.
[47]	刘涛. 语境论：释义规则与视觉修辞分析[J]. 西北师大学报(社会科学版), 2018, 55(1): 5-15.
	LIU Tao. On context: interpretation method and visual rhetoric analysis[J]. Journal of Northwest Normal University (Social Sciences), 2018, 55(1): 5-15.
[48]	翁敏, 宋晓燕, 杜清运, 等. 历史文化名城旅游地图的主题内容与表达策略[J]. 测绘科学, 2021, 46(4): 178-185.
	WENG Min, SONG Xiaoyan, DU Qingyun, et al. Tourism map design for historical and cultural cities: thematic content and visualization strategy[J]. Science of Surveying and Mapping, 2021, 46(4): 178-185.
[49]	苏世亮, 冯雨晴, 王海银, 等. 自然资源地图集设计：主题内容与表达策略[J]. 测绘地理信息, 2023, 48(1): 35-39.
	SU Shiliang, FENG Yuqing, WANG Haiyin, et al. Design of natural resources atlas: themes and visualization strategies[J]. Journal of Geomatics, 2023, 48(1): 35-39.
[50]	钟琳颖, 沈婕, 毛威, 等. 基于时空知识图谱的古城叙事地图设计与实现[J]. 遥感学报, 2021, 25(12): 2421-2430.
	ZHONG Linying, SHEN Jie, MAO Wei, et al. The design and realization of the ancient city narrative map based on spatiotemporal knowledge graph[J]. National Remote Sensing Bulletin, 2021, 25(12): 2421-2430.
[51]	吴雪儿. 基于动画的地图叙事设计策略[D]. 上海: 华东师范大学, 2021.
	WU Xueer. Design strategies of animation-based map storytelling[D]. Shanghai: East China Normal University, 2021.
[52]	WANG Lingqi, ZHANG Jiangyue, WENG Min, et al. Making a narrative tourism map: the case of Jiaxing's “Red Boat Spirit Map”, China[J]. Journal of Maps, 2024, 20(1): 1-15.
[53]	HALLIDAY AND RUQAIYA HASAN M A K. Language, context and text: aspects of language in a social-semiotic perspective[M]. Victoria: Deakin University Press, 1985.
[54]	WANG Lingqi, ZHANG Jiangyue, WENG Min, et al. Unlocking semantic information representation in bar graph design[J]. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 2024: 1-14.
[55]	安传艳, 李同昇. 地图表征的权力运作机制：建构的知识话语[J]. 地理研究, 2019, 38(8): 2099-2112.
	AN Chuanyan, LI Tongsheng. The power operation mechanism of map representations: constructed knowledge discourse[J]. Geographical Research, 2019, 38(8): 2099-2112.

互文关系	语义特征
解释	地图图形符号在成词过程中，需要文字符号进行简短标识，方便定义和说明表达对象。文字常以注记形式出现在地图中
浓缩	地图图形符号在成词过程中，需要文字符号进行提炼形成概括性表达。文字常以标题的形式出现在地图中
重申	文字符号实现了对地图图形符号表达内容的再次描述
增强	文字符号实现地图叙事时间、地点、历史、文化等背景信息的补充
增强	地图图形符号实现地点信息补充，增强文字符号的表达效果
延伸	文字符号与地图图形符号并行叙事，实现对地图或文字单独叙事效果的并列、承接或转折延伸
聚焦	由文字符号叙事聚焦到该主题下某一具体内容的地图化表达
聚焦	由地图图形符号的叙事聚焦到地图上某一位置信息的文字化描述

词性	语义特征	案例
名词（N）	3类符号中任意一种“单独”形成的对事物等的清晰表达，有较为明显的语义边界
形容词（A）	以图像符号、文字符号形式呈现，关系表现为对名词的“重申”
动词（V）	多个名词之间连接的“路径”，以图像或图式呈现。关系表现为“延伸”或“聚焦”
介词（P）	以图式呈现，与名词组合构成介词短语，表示背景信息。关系表现为“增强”

篇位	段落			句子
篇位	主题	结构	案例	事件	结构	案例
P₁	古代营田模式			沙田
P₂	稻作文明史			稻作起源
P₂	稻作文明史			鱼米之乡
P₃	现代稻作情况			农业机械化情况
				水稻生产情况
				稻作类型