Mapping Principles:Mapping Principles:Making Your Map Look Good!Making Your Map Look Good!

2006 MAGIC Symposium2006 MAGIC SymposiumKansas City, MoKansas City, MoApril 23-27, 2006April 23-27, 2006

Micah CutlerMicah CutlerGIS CoordinatorGIS CoordinatorHarrison CountyHarrison County

Logan, IowaLogan, Iowa

OverviewOverview

Elements of a MapElements of a Map Map Design ConsiderationsMap Design Considerations Map SymbolsMap Symbols Principles of ColorPrinciples of Color Text PlacementText Placement

Beginning the Design ProcessBeginning the Design Process

What elements need to be included What elements need to be included on a map?on a map?

How should those elements look?How should those elements look?

How should they be arranged?How should they be arranged?

When making a map, consider the When making a map, consider the following questions:following questions:

TALDOGSTALDOGS

T T - Title- TitleA A - Author- AuthorL L - Legend- LegendD D - Date- DateO O - Orientation- OrientationGG - Grid- GridS S - Scale- Scale

This acronym will This acronym will help you remember help you remember what to include on a what to include on a map.map.

Source: South Carolina Geographic AllianceSource: South Carolina Geographic Alliance

T = TitleT = Title

On a cadastral or road map, it is On a cadastral or road map, it is most likely the name of the county or most likely the name of the county or area.area.

On a thematic map, such as house On a thematic map, such as house values, it should include the name of values, it should include the name of the area and the main subject of the the area and the main subject of the map.map.Ex: Eagle Ridge SubdivisionEx: Eagle Ridge Subdivision

2003 Parcel Land Values2003 Parcel Land Values

TTALDOGSALDOGS

A = AuthorA = Author

The organization or person who The organization or person who made the map.made the map.

This also include the source of the This also include the source of the data if it is different that the person data if it is different that the person who created it.who created it.

Examples:Examples:

Prepared by:Prepared by:

Harrison County GISHarrison County GIS

712-644-1324712-644-1324gis@harrisoncountyia.org

Prepared by:Prepared by:

Harrison County GISHarrison County GIS

712-644-1324712-644-1324gis@harrisoncountyia.org

Data compiled by the Harrison Data compiled by the Harrison County Assessor’s Office.County Assessor’s Office.

TTAALDOGSLDOGS

L = LegendL = Legend

Explains the symbols used on the Explains the symbols used on the map. map.

Clear and easily readable.Clear and easily readable. Symbols should try and be the Symbols should try and be the

same size as they are on the map.same size as they are on the map.

Examples:Examples:

TATALLDOGSDOGS

D = DateD = Date

Always include when the map was created Always include when the map was created or the date of the original data.or the date of the original data.

I include a printed date and the date of the I include a printed date and the date of the aerial photography, if appears on the map.aerial photography, if appears on the map.

Examples:Examples:

Printed: 8 JUNE 2004Printed: 8 JUNE 2004

Digital Orthophotography flown on March 1, 2000.Digital Orthophotography flown on March 1, 2000.

TALTALDDOGSOGS

IMPORTANT NOTICEIMPORTANT NOTICEAll data posted is certified as of January 1, 2003All data posted is certified as of January 1, 2003

O = OrientationO = Orientation

Generally maps are drawn with North Generally maps are drawn with North towards the top of the map and South towards the top of the map and South towards the bottom.towards the bottom.

Very localized maps such as those for Very localized maps such as those for shopping malls or parks are often oriented shopping malls or parks are often oriented around the main point of entry. around the main point of entry.

Include a north arrow, even if it seems Include a north arrow, even if it seems obvious – there are a lot of poor map obvious – there are a lot of poor map readers out there!readers out there!

Examples:Examples:

TALDTALDOOGSGS

¯4J ³

G = GridG = Grid

This is the most difficult at the county level.This is the most difficult at the county level. Includes latitude/longitude; A-1, B-3 type Includes latitude/longitude; A-1, B-3 type

grid, etc.grid, etc. My personal opinion:My personal opinion: the township and the township and

range/section boundaries provide a location range/section boundaries provide a location grid.grid.

Many software programs will automatically Many software programs will automatically put on a latitude/longitude grid.put on a latitude/longitude grid.

A “location map” (overview map) also works A “location map” (overview map) also works well.well.

TALDOTALDOGGSS

Overview MapOverview Map The overview map helps the map reader know The overview map helps the map reader know

where in the county he or she is examining.where in the county he or she is examining.

TALDOTALDOGGSS

S = ScaleS = Scale

A map's scale is a ratio that relates a unit A map's scale is a ratio that relates a unit of measure on a map to some number of of measure on a map to some number of the same units of measure on the earth's the same units of measure on the earth's surface.surface.

TALDOGTALDOGSS

S = ScaleS = Scale

The larger the number, the smaller the The larger the number, the smaller the scale.scale.

A map of an area 100 miles long by 100 A map of an area 100 miles long by 100 miles wide drawn at a scale of 1:63,360 miles wide drawn at a scale of 1:63,360 would be more than 8 feet square. To would be more than 8 feet square. To make the map a more convenient size, make the map a more convenient size, either the scale used or the area covered either the scale used or the area covered must be reduced. must be reduced.

TALDOGTALDOGSS

DisclaimersDisclaimers

It’s always a good idea to include a disclaimer It’s always a good idea to include a disclaimer on your map. This one should look familiar:on your map. This one should look familiar:

The Data is provided “as is” without warranty or any The Data is provided “as is” without warranty or any representation of accuracy, timeliness or completeness. The representation of accuracy, timeliness or completeness. The burden for determining accuracy, completeness, timeliness , burden for determining accuracy, completeness, timeliness , merchantability and fitness for or the appropriateness for use merchantability and fitness for or the appropriateness for use rests solely on the requester. Harrison County makes nor rests solely on the requester. Harrison County makes nor warranties, express or implied, as to the use of the Data. There warranties, express or implied, as to the use of the Data. There are no implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a are no implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The requester acknowledges and accepts particular purpose. The requester acknowledges and accepts the limitations of the Data, including the fact that the Data is the limitations of the Data, including the fact that the Data is dynamic and is in a constant state of maintenance, correction dynamic and is in a constant state of maintenance, correction and update. and update.

Putting it TogetherPutting it Together

Now that you know what should go Now that you know what should go on a map, it’s time to arrange the on a map, it’s time to arrange the individual elements.individual elements.

This is like decorating, there are This is like decorating, there are some general “rules”, but it all some general “rules”, but it all comes down to personal taste.comes down to personal taste.

Map AestheticsMap Aesthetics

““The quality of a map is also in part an The quality of a map is also in part an aesthetic matter. Maps should have aesthetic matter. Maps should have harmony within themselves. An ugly harmony within themselves. An ugly map, with crude colors, careless line map, with crude colors, careless line work, and disagreeable, poorly work, and disagreeable, poorly arranged lettering may be intrinsically arranged lettering may be intrinsically as accurate as a beautiful map, but it as accurate as a beautiful map, but it is less likely to inspire confidence.”is less likely to inspire confidence.”

-John K. Wright, “Map Makers Are Human,”-John K. Wright, “Map Makers Are Human,”

Geographical Review 32 (1944); 527-44.Geographical Review 32 (1944); 527-44.

5 Principles of Map Design5 Principles of Map Design

2.2. HIERARCHY WITH HARMONYHIERARCHY WITH HARMONY - Important things must look important, and - Important things must look important, and the most important thing should look the most important. Harmony is the most important thing should look the most important. Harmony is subliminal.subliminal.

3.3. SIMPLICITY FROM SACRIFICESIMPLICITY FROM SACRIFICE – It’s not what you put in that makes a great – It’s not what you put in that makes a great map but what you take out. The map design stage is complete when you map but what you take out. The map design stage is complete when you can take nothing else out.can take nothing else out.

4.4. MAXIMUM INFORMATION AT MINIMUM COSTMAXIMUM INFORMATION AT MINIMUM COST - How much information can be - How much information can be gained from this map, at a glance.gained from this map, at a glance.

5.5. ENGAGE THE EMOTION TO ENGAGE THE UNDERSTANDINGENGAGE THE EMOTION TO ENGAGE THE UNDERSTANDING - Only when the - Only when the reader engages the emotion, the desire, will they be receptive to the reader engages the emotion, the desire, will they be receptive to the map's message. We are not just prettying maps up. The philosophy is map's message. We are not just prettying maps up. The philosophy is simple, beauty (aesthetics) focuses the attention.simple, beauty (aesthetics) focuses the attention.

Focusing the attention is the purpose of map design!

- Society of Cartographers- Society of Cartographers

1.1. CONCEPT BEFORE COMPILATIONCONCEPT BEFORE COMPILATION - Once concept is understood, no design or - Once concept is understood, no design or content feature will be included which does not fit it.content feature will be included which does not fit it.

So What is a Good Map?So What is a Good Map?

To really focus, you need to ask yourself To really focus, you need to ask yourself these questions:these questions:

1.1. What is the goal of the map?What is the goal of the map?

2.2. Who will read the map?Who will read the map?

3.3. Where will the map be used?Where will the map be used?

4.4. What data is available for the composition of What data is available for the composition of the map? the map?

5.5. What resources are available in terms of What resources are available in terms of both time and equipment? both time and equipment?

Map CompositionMap Composition

Good map composition should:Good map composition should:

1.1. Stress the purpose of the map.Stress the purpose of the map.

2.2. Direct the map reader’s attention.Direct the map reader’s attention.

3.3. Coordinate the base and thematic Coordinate the base and thematic elements of the map.elements of the map.

4.4. Maintain good cartographic Maintain good cartographic conventions (TALDOGS).conventions (TALDOGS).

5.5. COMMUNICATE.COMMUNICATE.

Simplify or Detail?Simplify or Detail?

… … depends on the scale and depends on the scale and size of the final product.size of the final product.

Design ConsiderationsDesign Considerations

Visual BalanceVisual Balance – use the natural shape of – use the natural shape of your county or region.your county or region.

Look for “white Look for “white space” that space” that allows for text allows for text placement.placement.

Figure and Ground OrganizationFigure and Ground Organization

People tend to organize the visual field People tend to organize the visual field into:into:

Figures – important objectsFigures – important objects Grounds – things less importantGrounds – things less important

Use Use contrastcontrast distinguish important from distinguish important from unimportant parts.unimportant parts.

ContrastContrast

Lines – labels, borders, neatlines, political Lines – labels, borders, neatlines, political boundaries, symbols, etc.boundaries, symbols, etc.

Line character – type and colorLine character – type and color Line weight – thicknessLine weight – thickness

Texture or patternTexture or pattern ColorColor Visual acuity (measures the size threshold Visual acuity (measures the size threshold

at which the eye can distinguish or read)at which the eye can distinguish or read) Don’t want symbols and text too small Don’t want symbols and text too small

or too bigor too big

Text ContrastText Contrast

MaskingMasking text and symbols works well for text and symbols works well for giving “importance” and clarity.giving “importance” and clarity.

Notice the text Notice the text “Woodbine” and “Woodbine” and road names.road names.

ContrastContrast

The shading for water The shading for water along the coastline along the coastline provides nice contrast provides nice contrast to the land.to the land.

Also notice that the Also notice that the text label for the text label for the water is water is italicizeditalicized..

HierarchyHierarchy

Contrast, shading, Contrast, shading, color, and text color, and text masking are all masking are all techniques used to techniques used to create hierarchy. create hierarchy.

The focus or most The focus or most important part of the important part of the map “jumps” out at map “jumps” out at you first.you first.

Map SymbolsMap Symbols

Take time to Take time to research commonly-research commonly-used symbols and used symbols and conventions.conventions.

Use line weights and Use line weights and colors to make your colors to make your symbols stand out.symbols stand out.

Map Symbols in ESRI SoftwareMap Symbols in ESRI Software

ESRI software comes ESRI software comes with tons of symbols with tons of symbols for lines, points, and for lines, points, and polygons. polygons.

Often these symbols Often these symbols can be modified can be modified slightly to get the slightly to get the exact look you are exact look you are after. after.

Why Use Color?Why Use Color?

Color simplifies and clarifies, as well as Color simplifies and clarifies, as well as unifies various map elements.unifies various map elements.

Color affects the general perceptibility of Color affects the general perceptibility of the map. the map.

Color elicits subjective reactions to the Color elicits subjective reactions to the map. People respond to colors; it creates map. People respond to colors; it creates mood.mood.

Color WheelColor Wheel Many believe that providing complementary Many believe that providing complementary

colors in a composition establishes stability.colors in a composition establishes stability. Complementary colors are opposite on the Complementary colors are opposite on the

color wheel. color wheel.

Color BalanceColor Balance Use color balance so that dominant colors Use color balance so that dominant colors

occupying large areas do not overpower the occupying large areas do not overpower the remainder of the map.remainder of the map.

Since areas are fixed in geography, only Since areas are fixed in geography, only choice of color is possible when planning choice of color is possible when planning balance. balance.

Remember – what is pleasant to one map Remember – what is pleasant to one map reader may not be pleasant to another.reader may not be pleasant to another.

Map LetteringMap Lettering

Map lettering should be viewed first as Map lettering should be viewed first as a a functional symbolfunctional symbol, only secondarily , only secondarily as an aesthetic object. as an aesthetic object.

Need to consider:Need to consider:1.1. Selection of lettering typeSelection of lettering type

2.2. Placement on mapPlacement on map

Choosing Text StyleChoosing Text Style

When considering text styles, keep the When considering text styles, keep the following points in mind:following points in mind:

• Legibility of individual letters Legibility of individual letters (don’t want to confuse (don’t want to confuse cc and and ee or or ii and and jj).).

• Avoid extremely bold forms.Avoid extremely bold forms.• Don’t use decorative typefaces – Don’t use decorative typefaces –

too difficult to read.too difficult to read.

This would not be a good choice. Neither would this.

Point Label PlacementPoint Label Placement

Chart at the right shows the Chart at the right shows the preferred order of text preferred order of text placement around a point.placement around a point.

Text should be horizontal if Text should be horizontal if possible.possible.

Town names should be Town names should be located on the side of the located on the side of the river on which the town is river on which the town is located.located.

Examples of Point Label PlacementsExamples of Point Label Placements

Linear Feature Label PlacementLinear Feature Label Placement

Linear features: rivers, streams, roads, Linear features: rivers, streams, roads, railroads, paths, airlines, etc.railroads, paths, airlines, etc.

Repeat as often as necessary to Repeat as often as necessary to facilitate its identification.facilitate its identification.

Ideal location is along a horizontal Ideal location is along a horizontal stretch.stretch.

Prefer Prefer italicized labelsitalicized labels for hydrology for hydrology features.features.

Labeling vs. AnnotationLabeling vs. Annotation

Annotation – MUCH higher time investment, but can be Annotation – MUCH higher time investment, but can be used repeatedlyused repeatedly

Labeling – useful when printing one-use maps at many Labeling – useful when printing one-use maps at many different scalesdifferent scales

Areal Features Label PlacementAreal Features Label Placement

Ideally, put the label entirely inside the Ideally, put the label entirely inside the polygon feature.polygon feature.

Don’t hyphenate names.Don’t hyphenate names. If lettering is not horizontal, make sure If lettering is not horizontal, make sure

it deviates significantly, so that its it deviates significantly, so that its placement won’t look like a mistake.placement won’t look like a mistake.

Never position text so that parts are Never position text so that parts are upside down.upside down.

Areal Features Label PlacementAreal Features Label Placement

Title and Legend TextTitle and Legend Text

Titles are generally most important – Titles are generally most important – largest type size.largest type size.

May position title or title boxes May position title or title boxes overlapping other features.overlapping other features.

Legend materials medium – reflect Legend materials medium – reflect their position in the hierarchy.their position in the hierarchy.

Map sources, notes, etc. in the smallest Map sources, notes, etc. in the smallest type size.type size.

Title PlacementTitle Placement

What I’d like you to remember…What I’d like you to remember…

TALDOGSTALDOGS Know your audience/purposeKnow your audience/purpose Examine “good maps” and adopt/ Examine “good maps” and adopt/

adapt similar colors, layouts, etc.adapt similar colors, layouts, etc. Good map design takes practice and Good map design takes practice and

lots of revisionslots of revisions Map design is subjective – but we Map design is subjective – but we

know ugly maps when we see themknow ugly maps when we see them

Questions? Comments? Opinions?Questions? Comments? Opinions?

Thank you!Thank you!Micah CutlerMicah Cutler

GIS CoordinatorGIS CoordinatorHarrison County, IowaHarrison County, Iowa

712-644-1324712-644-1324

gis@harrisoncountyia.orggis@harrisoncountyia.org

This presentation can be found atThis presentation can be found at

http://igic.gis.iastate.edu/resources/aboutGIS/http://igic.gis.iastate.edu/resources/aboutGIS/

Keywords: cartography, presentationKeywords: cartography, presentation