The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.

Cartographers design and create maps to communicate information about phenomena located somewhere on our planet. In the past, cartographers did not worry too much about who was going to read their maps. Although some simple “usability” research was done—like comparing whether circle or bar symbols worked best—cartographers knew how to make maps. This has changed now, however, due to all kinds of societal and technological developments. Today, map readers are more demanding—mostly because of the tools they use to read maps. Cartographers, who are also influenced by these trends, are now more interested in seeing if their products are efficient, effective, and appreciated.

Option A is the correct answer. The passage emphasizes that cartographers, influenced by societal and technological changes, now pay attention to the usability of maps due to the evolving expectations of map readers. The key point is that technological developments have made users more demanding, leading cartographers to focus on how efficient, effective, and appreciated their maps are.

Option B: While it is true that cartographers are more focused on usability, the passage does not mention specific experiments or evaluation methods.

Option C: This option suggests that maps are being used for a variety of reasons, which is not directly addressed in the passage. The focus of the passage is on the demanding nature of modern map readers but not on the variety of reasons for which maps are used.

Option D: While new technological developments are mentioned, the passage does not state that cartographers are experimenting with these innovations in their maps. It distorts the message by suggesting experimentation with technology, which is not directly stated in the passage.