Designing, Building and Using Maps

Features of a great map

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• Understanding of user requirements

  This is absolutely vital to the success of any map! An effectively designed map is one in which the intended message is clearly communicated to the map user. This is only possible by fully understanding what that message is and how the map is intended to be used.

• Consideration of display format

  To achieve maximum clarity a map should be designed from the very beginning with its final display medium in mind. There are numerous output formats for maps and various types of media on which they can be disseminated. These formats include paper, a mobile phone, a web-site.

• A clear visual hierarchy

  The aim here is to draw attention to certain elements of the map and push those of less importance further down the visual plane - although certain features are less important they may still be required, if not then they should be removed. This helps the user differentiate between map features and helps them comprehend the map's message effectively.

• Simplicity

  Cartography aims to portray spatial information in an appropriate way in order to transform data into information. The inclusion of unnecessary data makes this process less effective and one should always assess that data's value to the user against map clutter and confusion.

• Legibility

  All map elements need to be legible, meaning that they are readable, understandable and recognisable. All need to be large enough and clear enough relative to the viewing scale and the media on which the final map will be displayed.

• Consistency

  Consistency provides a map with balance. It enables features to be perceived as being organised into groups and it allows maps themselves to belong to a family of products through a shared identity.

• Accessibility 

  Making maps and making geographic data and accompanying stylesheets easily obtainable and usable is imperative to successful use. Accessibility factors to consider in the design process include distribution formats, user disabilities, cost and intuitiveness in use. 

• Good composition

  Composition concerns the arrangement of all the different visual elements, from the map’s title to the scale bar. It is both how the map is structured and positioned, and how the map works alongside any additional information. All elements of the map should work together to provide a clear and complete understanding to the user. Their style should also be harmonious or complementary.