Post on 22-Sep-2020
ADVANCED MAP DESIGN
Introduction to GIS| Winter 2015
Elements of Good Map Design
If a map is…
Graphically balanced
Easy to read
Limits redundant or unnecessary information
Then it will…
Communicate a strong visual message to audience
Convey the intended information (i.e. function properly)
Satisfy purpose of designer (or the client!)
Map Layout
Map Elements –
Components of map
layout
Main Map – Visual
representation of data
Map Layout
Visual Hierarchy –
how different elements
are positioned on the
map, e.g.
Scanning
Color
Size
Alignment
Contrast
Scanning
Scanning
Color
Size
Alignment
Contrast
With these elements in mind…..
Improvements?
How would you improve
the layout for this map?
Refining Map Layout
Poor Attention to Detail Good Attention to Detail
It’s all about the details
Choosing Appropriate Map Projections
Emphasis on decorative design elements
Emphasis on map content
Maps for the Color Blind
Color Blindness
Approximately 8% of the general population
sees color differently than the rest of the
population.
Red-green color confusion
Deuteranopia (5% of all males)
Protanopia (2.5% of all males)
Blue-yellow color confusion
Tritanopia (<0.3% women and men
Color Blindness
Who are the 8 percent here?
Do you try to account for this in your maps?
Vegetation Biomes in Arizona – Original Map
Vegetation Biomes in Arizona – Deuteronopia
Vegetation Biomes in Arizona – Protanopia
Vegetation Biomes in Arizona – Tritanopia
Point symbols
Combine shapes with varied hue and saturation
Line Symbols
Vary the width, pattern, hue and/or saturation
Area Symbols
Vary color hue and saturation; include pattern
Limit color classes to 5 or less
Area Symbols
Label/Annotate features
Map Design Resources
Vischeck Color Decifiency Simulations
Resources for Map Design
General Resources
Designing Better Maps, Cynthia Brewer
How to Lie With Maps, Mark Monmonier
Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS,
John Krygier
How Maps Work: Representation, Visualization, and
Design, Alan M. MacEachren
The Power of Maps, Denis Wood
Resources for Map Design
Especially for Color Blindness
vcgiblog.wordpress.com/2010/11/02/designing-
maps-for-the-color-blind/
www.vischeck.com/vischeck/
colororacle.org/
mappingcenter.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=arcgisResources.
gateway#arcgisResourcesCD
freegeographytools.com/2008/evaluating-map-
graphics-for-color-blind-viewers