1. Introduction to Cartographic Design
Richard Taketa
Associate Professor
Department of Geography
San Jose State University

2. Basic Map Design Visual organization Improve legibility
Focus attention
Maps do not have a natural sequence
Design can guide the map reader
Make the reader’s job easier

3. Today’s Design Topics Figure-ground Layout Generalization
Symbolization

4. Figure-Ground

5. Figure-Ground Graphic characteristics Some elements as figures
Other elements as background

6. Can’t easily distinguish elements
Figure-Ground
Can’t easily distinguish elements

7. Figure-Ground How people see graphics Elements Contrast Contour
Closure
Enclosure
Visual organization

8. More contrast = stronger figure

9. Not just the darker element
Contrast
Not just the darker element

10. Sharper contour (edge) = stronger figure

11. Closed element = stronger figure
Closure
Closed element = stronger figure

12. More enclosed = stronger figure
Enclosure
More enclosed = stronger figure

13. Create Visual Levels

14. Figure-Ground

15. Figure-Ground

16. Figure-Ground

17. Figure-Ground

18. Layout

19. Layout
Arrangement of map elements
Objectives
Visual balance
Structure

20. Centering is a good starting point...

21. Poor balance = harder to read

22. Assign appropriate emphasis

23. Text Placement: Figural Object

24. Text Placement: Background Object

25. Text Placement: Enhance Pattern

26. Text Placement: Hide Pattern

27. Generalization

28. Generalization Level of detail Function of Purpose Scale
Graphic limits
Quality of data

29. Generalization Simplification Selection Classification Symbolization
Induction

30. GIS Data Detailed

31. Detail a Problem for Symbolization

32. Simplifying for Clarity
Loss of information…negligible

33. Detail Changes with Scale

34. Symbolization

35. Symbolization Most maps involve abstract symbols
Represent features of interest
Can’t always show them as they actually look

36. Graphic Variables Shape Size Color Hue Lightness Saturation
Orientation
Pattern
Texture

37. Levels of Measurement
Nominal
Ordinal
Interval
Ratio

38. Symbolization & Measurement
Nominal Ordinal Interval/Ratio x
x x
x -
Shape
Size
Color
Hue
Lightness
Saturation
Orientation
Pattern
Texture

39. Symbolization

40. Symbolization Can affect ability to see patterns
Complex symbolization and classifications can obscure

47. Map Design Summary Organize graphic information Provide structure
Make the map legible
Focus the reader’s attention

48. Guide the reader...

49. Contact Information
Richard Taketa
Department of Geography
San Jose State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA