Diplomarbeit aus dem Jahr 2006 im Fachbereich Geowissenschaften / Geographie - Kartographie, Geodäsie, Geoinformationswissenschaften, Note: sehr gut, Universität Wien (Institut für Geographie und Regionalforschung), Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: As cartographic textbooks are still focusing on maps, a multiplicity of alternative forms of visualizing reality in digital space is being developed. If cartography is avowing itself on communicating (3D) reality to the user as appropriate as possible, it can not be content to do this best by (2D) maps a priori. Instead of that questions arise, how these new alternatives can and should be used. This implicates an interest in whether and how these recent technologies of visualization may outclass maps as well. Being interested in optimal forms of representation requires a broad theoretic background, that allows to compare different models of reality on a theoretical equivalent basis. However cartography is missing such a basis of comparison at the moment, as its theories, rules and vocabulary are concentrating on the map. The problem that has been outlined above is the starting point of this book. Its aim is therefore to introduce a fundamental theory with a subsequent method derived from it that enhances the capability to comprise the fullness of current forms of visualization. Furthermore it should be possible to incorporate all the future representations of reality as well, that may address visual or other modes of perception. This theory draws on the two correlatives of the cartographic communication process that are independent of technological constraints. These two anchor points are on the one hand reality, which should be represented; on the other hand the user to whom this reality should be communicated. This intermediation process will be structured and analyzed by means of the semiotic model of Charles S. Peirce to clarify the function of a cartographic representation from a semiotic perspective. In a next step the prototype theory will be integrated to this semiotic model to fix the orientation of cartography on the user and to formalize the requirements of cartographic practice. By having introduced the prototype theory a method is already prepared, that allows to communicate reality to the users on a level of categorization that is relevant for them. How this method can be applied concretely shall be exemplified by means of a subset of cartographic signs. In doing so it will become explicit that the presented method can not just be used to design new signs but also to evaluate existing cartographic signs.