Question 1463 :
Cartographers design and create maps to communicate information about phenomena located somewhere
on our planet. In the past, cartographers did not worry too much about who was going to read their maps.
Although some simple “usability” research was done—like comparing whether circle or bar symbols worked
best—cartographers knew how to make maps. This has changed now, however, due to all kinds of societal
and technological developments. Today, map readers are more demanding—mostly because of the tools
they use to read maps. Cartographers, who are also influenced by these trends, are now more interested in
seeing if their products are efficient, effective, and appreciated.
Cartographers design and create maps to communicate information about phenomena located somewhere
on our planet. In the past, cartographers did not worry too much about who was going to read their maps.
Although some simple “usability” research was done—like comparing whether circle or bar symbols worked
best—cartographers knew how to make maps. This has changed now, however, due to all kinds of societal
and technological developments. Today, map readers are more demanding—mostly because of the tools
they use to read maps. Cartographers, who are also influenced by these trends, are now more interested in
seeing if their products are efficient, effective, and appreciated.
Video Explanation
Explanatory Answer
Option A is the correct answer.
The passage emphasizes that cartographers now should pay attention to the usability of maps due to the
evolving expectations of map readers. The key point is that technological developments have made users more
demanding, leading cartographers to focus on how efficient, effective, and appreciated their maps are.
Option B: While it is true that cartographers are focused on usability, the passage does not mention specific
experiments or evaluation methods.
Option C: This option suggests that maps are being used for a variety of reasons, which is not mentioned in the
passage. The focus of the passage is on the demanding nature of modern map readers and not on the reasons
for which maps are used.
Option D: While new technological developments are mentioned, the passage does not state that cartographers
are experimenting with these innovations in their maps.