NRSC 2230 / GEOG 2750

Module G: Map Design

Overview

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this topic you will be able to:

  • Explain the characteristics of Map Design
  • Describe the subjective elements of Map Design
  • Describe the main considerations in organizing the horizontal level
  • Describe the considerations to be made in selecting Text type
  • Set an appropriate map page size using ArcGIS
  • Symbolize map feature appropriately using ArcGIS
  • Add a legend, scale bar and north arrow to the map layout using ArcGIS
  • Add extra text to the layout using ArcGIS
  • Add graphics to the layout using ArcGIS

The characteristics of Map Design

One chooses to present information to a user using a map because it is believed that this is the most effective means of transmitting the information.  In order to achieve this goal, the designer must take several things into consideration.  The points below represent some of the main characteristics / concerns a designer must consider in order to have a useful map.

  • The map should be suited to the needs of its users.
  • The map should be easy to use.
  • The map should be accurate, presenting information without error, distortion or mis-representation.
  • The language of the map should relate to the elements/qualities being presented.
  • The map should be clear, legible and attractive. A key issue here is figure vs ground.

Activity 1 – Discussion of map design characteristics

You will work in pairs in this exercise.  Each pair will look at two maps (one created by each partner) and discuss the designs in the context of the above characteristics.  Each student will post the results of the discussion on their blog.  You will outline how your design rated in relation to each of these characteristics.

Subjective Elements of Map Design

Map Design is said to part Art part Science.  This is so because one generally uses basic technical guidelines as a basis for proceeding, but invariably modifies the design on the basis of personal taste.  The final design is heavily influenced by the subjective use of the following design elements:

  • Generalization                 – How we simplify shapes in our design.
  • Symbolization                  – The shapes we choose to represent the map features.
  • Colour                                 – Our choice of colour and how that affects accent and balance.
  • Layout                                 – Our Arrangement of all map elements.
  • Typography                       – Our choice of Style and arrangement of lettering.

Activity 2 – Discussion of subjective elements of map design

You will work in pairs in this exercise.  Each pair will look at two maps (one created by each partner) and discuss the designs in the context of the above characteristics.  Each student will post the results of the discussion on their blog.  You will outline how your design rated in relation to each of these characteristics.

Organizing the Horizontal Level

In organizing the horizontal level of our map design we must be concerned with three broad area, namely Balance, Focus of Attention and Internal organization.  We will look at these below.

Balance

The ideal design is one in which the elements are balanced around the Geometric Centre and / or the Visual Centre of the design space.  The visual centre is located just above the geometric centre.  Visual balance relates to the relative ‘weight’ of each element and the perceived direction of flow.   An element in a design  appears heavier if:

  • it is located far from the centre
  • it is in the top half of the page
  • it is on the right half of the page
  • it is isolated
  • it is larger
  • it is compact
  • it is a regular shape
  • it is brightly coloured
  • it is in an intricate/peculiar pattern

In a design, a direction of flow is assumed from a visually heavier element to a visually lighter element.  Some elements however have intrinsic directional properties e.g. Arrows.

Activity 3 – Varying the ‘weight’ of Kamloops Lake

You are required to create a map, using at least three data frames, in which you use the above principles to vary the visual weight of Kamloops Lake.  This map should have the title ‘Map Design – Visual Weight’. Post this map on your blog.

Activity 4 – Comment on Visual Weight exercise

Post a comment on at least two of your classmates’ efforts at varying visual weight.

Focus of Attention

This concept guides us in directing / attracting the viewer’s eyes or to focus their attention on a particular feature(s) on the map.  The theory gives us three tips to deal with controlling the viewer’s focus. These are:

  1. The viewer will focus on elements in the visual centre unless distracted
  2. The viewer’s eye moves from the upper-left of the design space to the lower-right, via the visual centre
  3. The point that is located 2/3 of the way up from the bottom of the page and 1/3 the way from the left edge of the page can also serve as a visual centre.

We can also manipulate the focus of attention by dividing the space into sub-units.  Care must be used when employing this method as it may have unwanted effects e.g. trapping the eye in a location, creating a boring design etc.

Activity 5 – Research on Map Design

Use you favourite browser to do some further research on Map Design.  What new information have you found here?  What are visual variables? Please create a post in your blog that covers the information presented earlier in this blog and the new information presented in the reading.  Please provide the URL of any interesting sites.  Name this post ‘Map Design Tips’.

Activity 6 – Posting Cross-referencing information

Has the information in this reading helped to explain any of the concepts presented earlier?  Post your answer

Activity 7 – Comment on Map Design Guidelines

Please comment on at least two of your classmates’ map design tips.

Activity 8 – Evaluating published maps

Go to the ESRI Map Book Gallery and look through the maps presented in the different volumes.  Provide comments on at least four maps.  Please provide a link to the maps you are commenting on so that we may have a look as well.  Name this post ‘Map review – ESRI Map Book’.

Activity 9 – Reviewing Design Principles

For additional information please read this blog article.