Definition: Cartography refers to the art of mapping and depicting geographical locations, figures and features on a map. It involves using tools like maps, markers and scales to accurately describe and explain how different regions look from one another. The term "Cartogr" has its origins in French but it is also used for the first major cartographic system, which was developed in the 17th century by RenΓ© Guitry and Jean de La Farge. The term comes from the Latin word "carta," meaning "map," while the French term "graphe" translates to "grapevine." In modern times, the term has been adapted for other maps such as the United States National Atlas and the World Atlas series. The concept of cartography is based on the use of scale, a fundamental aspect of map-making. Maps are typically divided into equal parts that are labeled with different symbols or scales to help distinguish between them. The scale ranges from 1:10,000 (one hundred thousand) to one:1 million and more. Cartography helps to develop a sense of place by providing information about the features and figures found in an area. It is also used for navigation, allowing sailors to easily locate their ships on the ocean's surface. In general, cartographers aim to accurately describe geographic locations based on the available data and symbols on maps.