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Module
7 that extreme events will get worse, and trends in most variables will change in response to

warming. To explain these changes, a large number of graphics were developed to make the
issue more understandable. The information is available at:

http://www.grida.no/climate/vital/
9-12 December, 2013 3.3.1 The cartographic process

Managing the cartographic process often requires a specialist (cartographer), who usually will not be
the manager of the IEA. However, the assessment manager/practitioner will need to work closely with

the cartographer to make sure the maps you use harmonize with the core messages and results of the
assessment.

Once spatial data are collected and analyzed, they are sent to a cartographic designer for further
processing and refinement. This step involves transforming the data into a clear and efficient visual
representation. Ideally, the figures should give an immediate message to the users, with no more

than two or three items being presented. By reducing the number of categories, you simplify the
information.

BOX 8 Relationship of GIS and maps

Covered in more detail in Module 4, a Geographic Information System (GIS) is a geo-
referenced database. It allows you to collect and archive a large amount of data both
geographically and through time (vertically and horizontally). When all data are collected and
sorted, a GIS allows a rapid visualization of phenomena by automatic plotting. Usually such
analysis is appropriate only for “working documents” not for “publishable documents” or
ones intended for the general public. A GIS is a database used for storage of a large amount

of data, and is mainly used as an efficient tool for management (e.g., water or transport
networks, marine resources, land cover, grazing area). We often extract information stored in

32 Creating Communication Outputs from the Assessment