If it is a discipline dealing with the question of how to design maps, then it relates more to art than to science. But if we understand cartography as a discipline that tries to communicate spatial information efficiently, then it relates to science. ... This is cartography as a science.
Cartography, the art and science of graphically representing a geographical area, usually on a flat surface such as a map or chart. It may involve the superimposition of political, cultural, or other non geographical divisions onto the representation of a geographical area.
Cartography as an art form reflects the interaction and relationship of art and science within cartography. There are links between cartography as an art and cartography as a science that show that methods are similar and perhaps goals. Also, there are also significant links between art and maps.