3D Map and Its Cartographic Design—A Contribution to Cartographic Theory

3D Map has been developing rapidly in the last 10 years, but the definition of it has not been uniformed, and the standard of its cartographic designing has not been formed. Based on some correlative literatures, we consider that expanding human’s spatial cognition is the essential purpose of 3D Map. Therefore, to define the 3D Map, we should consider whether it carries a super 2D cognitive effect. And the design principles should be determined by the basis of 3D perceptive effect and new visual variables system, and in the meantime it should take full use of the 2D map information.