Cartographic
Temporal Memory
Definition: When a name or title is originally used to
designate one land feature remains
on maps when the object the item designates have moved, changed or does not exist any more. It is almost a
persistence of vision in the
mapping world and causes a time lag in the accuracy of the maps.
Why it happens. Cartographers use their own surveys, old
maps and interviews to help build a new map.
When their old data, a map or an interview
has the older object yet they have not surveyed the area themselves so there is no reason to believe the object has
changed. Also, if a big event
happened in the location, it is like to stay around longer.