Transcript Introduction to Cartography GEOG 2016 E

Introduction to Cartography
GEOG 2016 E
Lecture-5
Map Compilation Techniques
Map Design Element
• The process of designing a map essentially
consists of:
– Choosing elements to be included on the map
– Choosing the shapes and colors of the elements
– Arrangement of the elements
TALDOGS
• It’s a great way to remember what to include
in a map
– T : Title
– A : Author
– L : Legend
– D : Date
– O : Orientation
– G : Grid
– S : Scale
Map Title
• Title depends on the type of map.
• On a road map, it is generally the name of the
county or area.
– Example: Sudbury
• On a thematic map, such as house values, it
should include the name of the area and the
main subject of the map.
– Example: Lively
2011 Commercial Land Values
Author
• The name of the person or the organization who
made the map should appear as Author on the
map.
• If the data has been obtained from a different
source, it should be stated with Author.
• Examples:
– Prepared by:
City of Greater Sudbury
--- phone, email ---
– Prepared by:
City of Greater Sudbury
--- phone, email --Data compiled by the Ministry of Natural Resources
Legend
• Legend explains the symbols used on the map.
• It should be clear and easily readable.
• If possible, symbols should be the same size as
they are on the map.
– This is not always practical
Date
• Every map must contain the date when it was
created or the date of original data
acquisition.
• It is also a good idea to include both dates.
• Example:
Printed: November 01, 2011
Digital Orthophotography flown on June 1, 2009
Orientation
• In general, maps are oriented such that the
north points upward and south downward.
• For localized maps, such as those of shopping
malls, the maps are oriented around the main
point of entry.
• It is very important to include an arrow
showing the north direction. All other
directions can be deduced from that.
Scale
• Scale is a ratio relating a unit of measure on a
map to some number on the same units of
measure on the earth’s surface.
• The larger the number, the smaller the scale.
Disclaimer
• Even though it is not a general practice, but it definitely
is a good idea to add a disclaimer to the map.
• Example:
– The Data is provided “as is” without warranty or any
representation of accuracy, timeliness or completeness.
The burden for determining accuracy, completeness,
timeliness , merchantability and fitness for or the
appropriateness for use rests solely on the requester.
Harrison County makes nor warranties, express or implied,
as to the use of the Data. There are no implied warranties
of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The
requester acknowledges and accepts the limitations of the
Data, including the fact that the Data is dynamic and is in a
constant state of maintenance, correction and update.
Principles of Map Design
• Concept
– One must have a clear idea of the requirements before
compilation is started
• Harmony
– Harmony is of utmost importance in map compilation.
The important features in a map should also look
important.
• Simplicity
– Complicating the map does not serve any purpose.
Keeping it simple by taking out all unnecessary features
and details is the key to a great map design.
• Information
– The map must contain all the required information.
Simplified or Detailed?
• The choice depends on the scale.
Design Considerations
• Use the natural shape of the region you wish
to show on the map.
• Organize the visual field of the map into
– Figures: important objects
– Grounds: less important objects
• Then use contrast to distinguish important
from less important parts.
Contrast
• Contrast can be created in different ways.
• Lines
– Type (solid, dashed,….)
– Weight (thickness)
– Color
• Texture or pattern for areas
• Color
• Size of symbols and text
Text Contrast
• Masking texts and symbols can be used to give
importance and clarity.
Contrast
• The shading for
water along the
coastline provides
nice contrast to the
land.
• Also, the text label
for water is in
italics.
Hierarchy
• Hierarchy means giving
relative importance to
features.
• Hierarchy can be created
by shading, color and
text masking.
• It should be done in such
a way that the most
important feature
becomes most
prominent.
Map Symbols
• Take time to research
commonly-used
symbols and
conventions.
• Use line weights and
colors to make your
symbols stand out.
Color Balance
• Use color balance so that dominant colors
occupying large areas do not overpower the
remainder of the map.
• Since areas are fixed in geography, only choice
of color is possible when planning balance.
• Remember – what is pleasant to one map
reader may not be pleasant to another.
Text Style
• When considering text styles, keep the
following points in mind:
– Legibility of individual letters (don’t want to
confuse c and e or i and j).
– Avoid extremely bold forms.
– Don’t use decorative typefaces – too difficult to
read.
Point Label Placement
• Chart at the right shows the
preferred order of text placement
around a point.
• Text should be horizontal if
possible.
• Town names should be located on
the side of the river on which the
town is located.
Examples of Point Label Placements
Linear Feature Label Placement
• Linear features: rivers, streams, roads,
railroads, paths, airlines, etc.
• Repeat as often as necessary to facilitate its
identification.
• Ideal location is along a horizontal stretch.
• Prefer italicized labels for hydrology features.
Label Placement
• Ideally, put the label entirely inside the
polygon feature.
• Don’t hyphenate names.
• If lettering is not horizontal, make sure it
deviates significantly, so that its placement
won’t look like a mistake.
• Never position text so that parts are upside
down.
Title and Legend Text
• Titles are generally most important – largest
type size.
• May position title or title boxes overlapping
other features.
• Legend materials medium – reflect their
position in the hierarchy.
• Map sources, notes, etc. in the smallest type
size.
Title Placement