Maps as Sources for Toponyms: Cartographic Bias. Discussion Papers in Geolinguistics, No. 9.

The selection of place names (toponyms) for use on a map depends on the available space. This selection may be distorted by regulations, cartographic procedures, preferences, or map functions. An investigation of place names used on maps of minority language group areas in Western Europe revealed the influence of cartographers and topographers on the kind and number of names to be included. After incorporation on the base map, a number of cartographic processes occur that lead to an overrepresentation of minority language toponyms on derived maps in minority language areas. On smaller scale maps, a generalization process occurs in which only features likely to have majority language names tend to be retained. In addition, specific name categories tend to be overemphasized on derived maps such as small scale topographic maps or road maps. These toponym selection processes lead to a certain bias that, in turn, interferes with national or international comparisons of toponyms based on topographic maps. This does not suggest discontinuing the use of maps for investigating place names, but underlines the importance of selecting the appropriate map and learning the regulations governing the incorporation of names on the base map and the selection process for names on derived maps. (MSE)