Beginning in the twentieth century, theoretical and practical advances in computer technology, communications, and cartography have led to new paradigms in mapping. For the design of the Expert-Topographic Map Service in Mexico, we adopted a theoretical cybercartography framework that we expanded to incorporate expert systems. Another line of research is to include other artificial intelligence resources. Using a transdisciplinary approach, we were able to focus our efforts on the interconnection between knowledge and geotechnology to offer solutions to complex societal problems. This paper explores the theoretical pillars that support the design of an Expert-Topographic Map Service, including cybercartography, knowledge-based systems, and surface mathematical modeling. This is the first study to apply cybercartography to topographic mapping. As shown, we used the Triangular Irregular Network Model to transform a map that in the digital era was conceived solely as an information system into a container of knowledge through the abstract representation of features such as relief. We were thereby able to bridge digital topographic maps with other knowledge-based models, such as expert systems. Given the societal demand and empirical context for this research, topographic maps and services are still at the core of cartographic initiatives in the twenty-first century.
Reyes et al. (Sun,) studied this question.