地圖是記錄時空環境的媒體，也是一種權力的表徵，反映著繪圖者對於一塊土地的觀點與詮釋。台灣在地圖上是以什麼樣的方式被呈現？繪圖者是以什麼樣的觀點來描繪台灣？本研究透過幾何分析與地圖符號解讀，探討過去四百多年來台灣在不同時期、不同製作者的地圖上所呈現之觀點。研究結果顯示，長期以來台灣的地圖幾何性質相當多元化，不同的方位與中心點潛藏著不同繪圖者心中的觀察角度與權力意圖。而地圖符號與註記則負有高度的象徵意義，也因此繪圖者的意圖被明白地呈現在地圖上，使不同觀點之間的差異非常顯著。透過各種地圖觀點之解讀，本研究闡釋台灣地圖演變的歷史脈絡。

Maps are a kind of media, which record temporal and spatial environment. Maps could also symbolize powers, reflecting cartographers' perspectives and interpretations of a land. During the past 400 years, Taiwan has been presented on maps in diverse ways. How has Taiwan been presented on these maps? What perspectives do cartographers have in order to present Taiwan? This research compares Taiwan maps to each other from different periods of the past 400 years, and then explores the views presented on these maps by using geometric analysis and interpreting their symbols. The results indicate that for a long time, Taiwan maps have had diverse geometric attributes, which different bearing and centers reveal different cartographers' observational viewpoints and intentions. Moreover, symbols and notes on maps have high symbolic meanings, so that cartographer's perspectives are shown clearly and the differences between various perspectives are obvious. In this research, the historical transition of perspectives of Taiwan maps has been formulated.