由於地圖的使用以及製作具有強烈的目的性，地圖學在傳統上便具有多重的矛盾及衝突。傳統地圖使用上，作為一種真實呈現的工具，地圖學者無非致力於最佳以及最真實的地表呈現。在真實及最佳展現目的下，伴隨著計量革命，地圖傳播模式開始發展，其並引起了地圖科學化的發展。承接地圖傳播模式發展的為地圖視覺化理論，其融合了地圖傳播模式中認知觀點，並將地圖學設計及內涵範圍加以擴張，由製圖者觀點導引至閱圖者觀點。在電腦技術的發展之下，多樣化的製圖方式逐漸興起，視覺化的內容並不侷限於地圖設計上，地理視覺化的概念開始融合人文、自然以及地圖學的內涵，而此導向也開啟了地圖學中的權力及批判導向，使地圖學理論的發展更加多樣及複雜。

Due to there has distinct intention in map making and using, diversity and conflict are there in the tradition of cartography. In order to make such technique a tool that capable of representing the world authentically, cartographers are seeking for optima map and unfeigned world. With the revolution in statistic, Map communication model began to develop and generated scientific map making. After communication model, Map visualization theory is arising. And associated with cognitive viewpoint by communication model, from map maker to map reader, the scopes of map design modus and content has been expanded. In the other hand, computer technology development has made techniques such as multifarious mapping method popular. Now, the content of geographic visualization (GVIS) are no longer limited on map design, but assimilated with humanity、natural science and cartography. Therefore, the theory of cartography has become more complicated. Again, that is because the critical cartography and the power of knowledge that linked with cartography.