Ancillary data ‘subordinate’ = Information required to explain the display contents

Ancillary Info - Map elements Title Scale Legend Orientation/direction - North arrow Location – direction & distance indicators, map insets, reference systems Data sources Who created the map and when Border/neatline

inadequate ancillary information http://www.muskwa-kechika.com/resources/map6.asp inadequate ancillary information

1. Title: map purpose and content: usually at the top [No need for ‘map’] Required except that … in a book or article, the title may be a caption Geographic area, type of map data (if not general), and date (if variable)

2. Scale Scale must be given on the map / display it is usually placed near the bottom of the map Verbal statement, ratio or graphic bar (best for output) Use round numbers Subdivide as appropriate Use appropriate units e .g. 1000m == 1km

Examples of scale bar abuse The least worst The worst: Even worse ? -> (no scale)

Do not take software default which includes all layers 3. Legend Symbols should be in the legend unless explained by lettering Symbols must appear in legend exactly as on map, same size etc.. symbols on the left, labels on the right Draw boxes around area symbols Capitalise the first letter only lettering should be subdued The word 'legend' is not always needed - especially if a legend box is used Do not take software default which includes all layers

No ziggie-zaggies … Line symbols should be a straight or gently curved section

Arc Map layout

4. Direction A North arrow is optional if it is clear that (true) North is to the top If North is not to the top, a North arrow is a MUST

5. Location Direction and distance indicators Inset or locator maps, including scale of inset / locator  Grids showing latitude and longitude 

Another poor software default: silly precision

6. Data source A set of statements usually at the bottom in small text explains how the data were derived, and when: not needed for background general data

GIS / digital mapping: ‘Metadata’ Metadata = ‘data about data’ – how, when, where etc.. (often stored in a text file)

7. Overall Optional 'neatline' around the map as a whole and/or the legend A rectangle 3 x 2 ('landscape' or 'portrait') is preferred to a square Use space wisely – don’t cram, don’t waste white space   Item Best Position TITLE what? Prominent, near top SCALE how big? Near bottom LEGEND   what (details)?  On side, may be boxed DIRECTION which way? Side LOCATION where? Side ticks, or insert SOURCE where from? Very bottom, inconspicuous LAYOUT Overall: examples below

7. Layout .. Better, but not great.. http://makingmaps.owu.edu/mm/MakingMapsCh06.pdf See also: http://www.landtrustgis.org/technology/advanced/design

Map versus ancillary content: http://mappingcenter.esri.com

1986

1993

1997

2010

GEOG205 project map, 2009

GEOG205 project map, 2009

Recommended website reading http://landtrustgis.org/technology/advanced/design