中外地理学名家莫不视地图为研究地理的基本工具,我不是地理学家,仅是像丁文江先生在中国分省新图再版的序文里所说的:「不过懂得地图,测过,绘过,读过地图的人」。一般人对於自己所学所习的东西,总觉得特别重要,我当然不能例外,所以读到各地理名家重视地图的议论,感觉到无上的兴奋,至於他们议论的准确程度,还要请教各位地理学家。

Po nts actually determined by the terrestial survey are only points occupied by the instrument and rod; details away from these points are sketches of which the accuracy depends upon the closeness of such points and the experience and ingeniousness of the surveyor. Thus the inexpressive and inexact contour lines as often found on certain topographical maps can although be improved to some extent but can not be altogether eliminated.