SYMBOLS USED ON ETHNIC MAPS IN THE EARLY DECADES OF THE 20th CENTURY

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Abstract

While most maps are a representation of the surface of the earth at a reduced scale, some maps known as thematic maps are a representation of data distributed on the face of the earth.  Within thematic maps, ethnic maps make up a special group since they have played a large role in defining state borders, especially during and after the First World War when territorial demands were made which were justified using ethnic maps. Many different mapping methods have been tried and while many can give a very accurate picture their interpretation is time-consuming hence they cannot be presented to decision-makers. This paper presents those mapping methods together with their scale which are ideal to be used for decisions on borders and analyzes their accuracy.