CS 128/ES 228 - Lecture 8a1 Map formats & layout Muehrcke & Muehrcke, 4 ed, p. 1.

CS 128/ES 228 - Lecture 8a 1

Map formats & layout

Muehrcke & Muehrcke, 4 ed, p. 1


Maps are: means of

communicating geographical information

visual tools

artistic compositions

Muehrcke & Muehrcke, 4 ed, p. 1


Of first importance:

accurate data,accurately displayed!!


Maps elements*

* aka map components (see text, p. 157 for a different list)

Clarke, 3rd ed. p. 201


Not all maps need all elements

1. Title and figure are virtually always present

2. Place-names (better termed “annotations”) are almost always needed

think attribute data!

3. A legend is necessary whenever symbols are used (which is almost always)


These elements are less standard

5. Credits should be used on all technical maps; I think all maps should be dated

6. North arrow, scale, (and graticle) depend on purpose

7. Borders and neat lines are visually helpful but can be omitted


Map layout

Lo & Yeung. 2002. Concepts & Techniques of GIS. P. 245

there’s more to a GIS output thanjust the map

• one of many possible maplayouts


Designing a map

1. Define your purpose & your audience

2. Make your map tell a story

3. Direct the viewer’s eye

4. Keep it simple

Source: Design a great map layout. Landtrustgis.volcano.onenw.org/Technology/advanced/design


1. Purpose & audience• We tend to think of GIS maps as data

displays, not means of communication

• Ask what you’re trying to show, why, and to whom


2. Tell a story• Take the viewer on a journey into the

map’s meaning

• The main point should be obvious at first glance; additional info. should unfold gradually

http://junkcharts.typepad.com/junk_charts/images/cdc_obesity_slides.gif


3. Direct the viewer’s eye• create an information hierarchy, using

symbol size, color, and placement

• use strongest colors for the most important features


4. Keep it simple

Both: Design a great map layout. Landtrustgis.volcano.onenw.org/Technology/advanced/design


Common design flaws

1. Minor elements dominate map visually

2. Same size/color for all labels

3. Choropleth scale not intuitive

4. Cluttered annotation

See also: Jerry’s top ten crime mapping tips(http://jratcliffe.net/papers/Jerry%27s%20top%20 ten%20mapping

%20tips.pdf)


1. Minor elements dominate• The color of the (main) figure should capture

the viewer’seye

http://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/washington-city-map.html


2. Same size/color labels• How much of an information hierarchy is

shown here?

• What are the mostimportant features?

• How might they beemphasized?

http://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/washington-city-map.html


3. Choropleth scale not intuitive


4. Cluttered annotation


What’s wrong here?

http://www.gisci.org/GISC_Eye/GISCEye_vol1no2.pdf


And finally

… think creatively

Muhrcke & Muhrcke, 4th ed, p 155

CS 128/ES 228 - Lecture 8a1 Map formats & layout Muehrcke & Muehrcke, 4 ed, p. 1.

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