
This presentation aims to help you learn two things:
› How to
the
using graphic libraries.
and
› How graphic libraries are used in the following
applications:
 Kitchen design
 Cartography
 Network design
of

Graphic libraries are essentially a collection of
images or symbols that are accessible through an
application.

Specialist applications, such as the ones we will
look at in this presentation, make use of graphic
libraries.

This allows the user to simply drag and drop images
and symbols into their application.

Microsoft produce an
application called Visio.

Visio allows people to
make different kinds of
diagrams using graphic
libraries.

Symbols can be dragged
into the workspace.

Kitchen design applications will have graphic
libraries that have standard images and symbols
for cupboards, draws, appliances, power sockets,
doors, windows and table tops.

Like with the kitchen
design application,
map makers can
drag and drop
symbols into a
workspace.

The symbols are often
standardised with
Ordnance Survey
and the Land
Registry.

Network designers can use industry-standard symbols to
create network diagrams. However, as technology is
changing rapidly, symbols are often becoming out dated.
Pros
Cons
Industry standard symbols are
available.
May be difficult to keep up to date
due to changes in
technology/products/standards.
Because the symbols are
standardised, diagrams can be
sent around the world and
understood.
New components may not be
available immediately.
Sometimes symbols might be
missing or are unavailable.

Explain how a graphic library could be used to
produce a map for a driving competition.
[4 marks]

Explain the benefits of using standardised graphic
libraries over making up your own symbols.
[4 marks]