This lesson focused on map elements, design principles and the cartographic process. In this lesson you learned about why one would want to create a map and for what purpose. Planar and hierarchical organization were outlined which are important concepts that help to guide how one would determine the organization of a map. The lesson concluded with an example map critique which highlights issues and identifies solutions to make the map more attractive and useful.

Vocabulary

4.1 The Cartographic Process

Cartographic Process

A recommended set of steps that you should follow in order to properly create a map, composed of five steps: define purpose and meaning of the map; choose the scale of the map; determine the map format, printing limitations you may have, and the economics of production and reproduction of the map; abstract and generalize the data; the design and the layout of the map.

Classification

When you combine observations into a larger group or class to simplify the data so that it can be displayed easier on the map.

Scale

The ratio between the distance between two locations on a map and the corresponding distance on Earth’s surface.

Selection

When you choose a subset of data that you wish to display on the map.

Simplification

Simplifying complex geometric detail so that it looks smoother and appropriate for the scale which you are mapping.

Symbolization

To use representative shapes, icons, or pictures to represent items or spatial phenomena.

4.2 Map Design and Map Elements

Ancillary

An item that supports another item.

Balance

Provides the visual impact of the arrangement of the map elements. There are two factors to consider related to the balance: Weight and direction.

Columns

A vertical arrangement of figures or other information.

Cropped Map Body

Represents a region of interest within a geographic context and the surrounding area is cut off often by a neat line.

Directional Indicator

Typically a North arrow. The purpose of a directional indicator is to indicate a direction on a map.

Floating Map Body

A region that is disconnected from neighboring regions.

Graduated Symbol Map

The symbols vary in size as related to the values they represent.

Graticule

A visual representation of a coordinate system or location scheme used on the map.

Graphic Scale

Uses a graphic element, typically a bar or line, to represent a certain distance on the map.

Headings

A title at the top of a section.

Inset Map

Secondary map areas, each encased within their nearline; often display the primary mapped area in relation to a larger area.

Label

A word or words used to specify a point on the map; it’s purpose is to communicate attribute or ancillary information to the map user.

Legend

Provides users with information about how geographic information is represented graphically. Usually consist of a title that describes the map, as well as a clear definition of various symbols, colors, and patterns that are used on the map.

Location Map

A small ancillary map that is at a smaller scale than the map body.

Map Body

The main focus of the map and should be visually dominant in every case; contains the features important to the message of the map.

Map Elements

Elements of a map may include a neat line, map body, graticule, insets, title, legend, label, ancillary text, ancillary object, scale bar, directional indicator, and metadata.

Map Scale

The ratio between the distance between two locations on a map and the corresponding distance on Earth’s surface.

Metadata

Purpose is to cite the source of data sets used to create the map. Can contain the map author’s information, such as their name, and contact information; should also include the date the map was created and other explanatory information about the creation of the map such as the map projection used.

Neat Line

Border boxes that are placed around individual map elements; must occur within the frame line.

Representative Fraction Scale

Two numbers are written separated by a colon. The number of the left of the colon represents the distance measurement map and a number to the right of the colon represents distance measured on the ground.

Scale Bar

A bar representing a certain distance on the map; often divided at meaningful intervals to assist the map reader in measuring.

Title

The name of a map.

Verbal Scale

A sentence that describes the relationship of the distance on the ground to the distance on the map.

4.3 Map Examples

Contrast

The state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association.

Figure Closure

The tendency for the viewer to complete unfinished objects or objects that may be obscured by other elements.

Figures

Items that have “thing” qualities and are important to the map.

Ground

The background or supporting figures on the map.

Hue

The dominant wavelength or color associated with a reflecting object.

Interposition

The interrupting of the edge of one object with another object that causes the object to appear on top and closer to the viewer.

Legend

Provides users with information about how geographic information is represented graphically. Usually consist of a title that describes the map, as well as a clear definition of various symbols, colors, and patterns that are used on the map.

Map Title

A title for the map to be called, and relates to the data being shown.

Metadata

Purpose is to cite the source of data sets used to create the map. Can contain the map author’s information, such as their name, and contact information; should also include the date the map was created and other explanatory information about the creation of the map such as the map projection used.

North Arrow

An arrow on a map telling the reader which way is north.

Overall Map

A map of small scale used for general planning purposes.

Perceptual Grouping

In a perceptual group the viewer spontaneously combines elements that share similar properties; elements can be grouped by shape or by size.

Scale Bar

A bar representing a certain distance on the map; often divided at meaningful intervals to assist the map reader in measuring.

Strong Edges

Thick drawn edges that help define an object as a figure.

Texture

The compactness of the marks that make up the symbol; also referred to as spacing.

Value

The amount of white or black and is often synonymous with contrast.

Visual Hierarchy

The intellectual plan for the map and the eventual graphic solution that satisfies the plan.

Water

Gives the reader geographic references to help recognize landmasses.