Cartographic Representation of Human Phenomena and Practical Procedures (Selected Models from Iraq) – 2024

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the cartographic representation of human phenomena in Iraq through selected case studies in the provinces of Duhok, Anbar, and Basra using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and cartographic generalization techniques at a scale of 1:250,000. The research involved producing maps of population density, relative distribution, and generalized road networks using simplification, smoothing, and elimination tools in the ArcMap environment. A comparative analytical approach was adopted to evaluate the efficiency of visual representation and the role of generalization in preserving geographic meaning and reducing visual clutter. The findings revealed significant variations in spatial concentration patterns and topographic structures among the three provinces. The applied generalization techniques proved effective in enhancing map readability while maintaining data integrity, positioning this study as a practical reference for producing thematic maps at small scales in both urban and rural settings.