Search results
People also ask
What makes a good map?
What makes a map effective?
Why do people want maps?
How do you write a good map?
What type of map should a cartographer use?
What are the basic features of a map?
- Geographic Bounds. The extent of the geographic area mapped will affect a whole slew of cartographic choices from the map projection used to data and symbology choices.
- Background Data Elements. There are two main reasons to include data on a map: to support the subject matter of the map and to provide orientation (e.g.
- Symbolization. The choices of symbology can make or break a map. The color choices, line widths, icons, and labeling (more on labels next) all affect the readability, and hence message, of the map.
- Labels. While it may be tempting to label all features shown on a map, doing so can block underlying features, create a cluttered looking map, and create confusion.
- Map Has a Clear Purpose. What is the map’s intention? Are you achieving it? Designing the concept of a map is typically how cartographers begin. Ideas are driven by purpose.
- Map Title Reflect the Author’s Intention. The map title should reflect the purpose of the map. The title is usually based on the information being displayed on your map.
- Use the Appropriate Template. Some companies and organizations have map templates on hand. Throw in the data. Change a couple of map elements. With a few clicks of the mouse, there you have it!
- Add Company and Client Logo. Chances are your map will be designed for someone. Adding your organization and the client’s logo on the map is a way to recognize the author and who the map product was designed for.
A good map establishes a visual hierarchy that ensures that the most important elements are at the top of this hierarchy and the least important are at the bottom. Typically, the top elements should consist of the main map body, the title (if this is a standalone map) and a legend (when appropriate).
- Title
- Direction: Direction is shown on a map by using a compass rose. The compass rose shows the directions of the map so that map readers can relate those directions to the real world.
- Legend: The principal reference to the map symbols; subordinated to the title and direction. However, this is still a key element for map reading; describing all unknown or unique map symbols used.
- North Arrows: North arrows indicate the orientation of the map and maintain a connection to the data frame. When that data frame is rotated, the north arrow element rotates with it.
Oct 28, 2011 · Five of the main design principles are legibility, visual contrast, figure-ground, hierarchical organization, and balance. Together these form a system for seeing and understanding the relative importance of the content in the map and on the page. Without these, map-based communication will fail.
- Female
- Esri, Inc.
- Research Cartographer
May 25, 2024 · The qualities of a good map ensure it is useful, accurate, and easy to read. This blog will delve into the essential qualities that make a map effective, using examples from various types of maps to illustrate these points.
Apr 8, 2015 · Whether it’s finding simple directions or detecting oil spill patterns, people want maps to help them understand things. They want maps to appear instantly, across devices. People want maps to be attractive as well as informative. But, what makes a good map? How can we engage people with a map?
