A Metrologist Viewpoint on how Maps can support Evaluation of Earth’s Surface Features and Evolution in Time better than Global Numerical Parameters

Abstract

Global numerical parameters are recently preferred in scientific fields to evaluate Earth’s surface features, namely in climate evolution. However, they may not fully represent the complexity of the issue they intend to qualify. The paper illustrates the fact that the intended aim can be better reached by adding the assistance provided by the evaluation of maps, especially in the case of Earth’s parameters, a method already common in Spatial Big Data evaluation. Additionally, the fact that the map graphical representation is intrinsically mediating a parameter that is always associated with each data of experimental origin, datum uncertainty, so representing a kind of alternative way to model a database. Especially when maps illustrate a great variety of local situations, the visual (i.e., geometrical) examination offered by maps often allows superior information, so a more reliable and full evaluation of evolution typically in time. Cases are reported to exemplify these statements.