Cartography Map Design and Type

Figure 12.1

Design Evaluation A map should be suited to the needs of its users A map should be easy to use. Maps should be accurate, presenting information without error, distortions or misrepresentations The language of the map should relate to the elements or quantities being represented A map should be clear, legible and attractive. Many maps would ideally permit interaction with the user allowing change updating and personalization.

Figure 12.2

Subjective Elements of Design (Karssen) Generalization – beauty of simplified shapes Symbolization – beauty of graphic representation Color – beauty of color accent and balance Layout – beauty of composition Typography – beauty of typographic appearance

Figure 12.3

Figure 12.4 Design Levels on The Map In GIS we often work with Data Layers In Cartography Levels are similar, but help the map designer organize the map by importance. A single element should never be assigned to more than one level.

Table 12.1

Map Composition Forces the designer to organize the visual material into a coherent whole to facilitate communication, to develop an intellectual and visual structure Stresses the purpose of the map Directs the map reader’s attention Develops an aesthetic approach for the map Coordinates the base and thematic elements of the map—a critical factor in establishing communication Maintains cartographic conventions consistent with good standards. Provides a necessary challenge for the designer in seeking creative design solutions.

Figure 12.5

Balance and Visual Weight Balance involves the visual impact of the arrangement of image units in the map frame. Visual balance results from two major factors: weight and direction (size and location for the elements).

Visual Weight Location Center less weighted than edges Upper heavier then lower Right heavier than left Size – larger is heavier Color – Red, bright, isolated, unusual Shape – regular shape, compact

Visual Direction Location Weight of an object attracts others and creates a neighborhood, thus giving direction Shapes and or subject matter of objects create an axes that impart direction The map content is more important than the map’s design

Figure 12.6

Figure 12.7

Figure 12.8

Figure 12.9 Focus of Attention

Figure 12.10

Contrast and Design Line Contrast Texture Contrast Value Contrast Variation of Detail Color Contrast

Figure 12.11

Figure 12.12

Figure 12.13

Acuity Visual Acuity – Size Threshold. The ability to see an object on the paper Resolution Acuity – Detectable seperation The ability to see two objects as to objects.

Figure Visual Hierarchy The visual hierarchy is the intellectual pan for the map and the eventual graphic solution that satisfies the plan.

Table 12.2

Creating a Visual Hierarchy Grouping Grouping by Shape Grouping by Size Proximity Figure Ground Relationship Closure or interruption Gradicule Grayscale or Color change

Figure 12.15

Figure 12.16

Figure Grouping by Similarity

Figure Grouping by Size

Figure Perceptual Grouping by Proximity

Figure Closure

Figure Greyscale

Figure Interposition

Figure 12.23

Figure 12.24