MAP DESIGN & LAYOUT - geodec

Remember:Cartography is “The art & science of maps andmapping”so . . .Portions of this class may be more like anART class influenced by the likes,dislikes, and abilities of the student andthe professor!GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

ArcGIS is very powerful! ArcGIS provides you with many tools tomake bad map very easily" Usually the defaults on ArcGIS are not the bestoptions○ The right options depend of your map intent(purpose) and your audience! Use the cartographic and map designknowledge to make a good map" Be critique and objectiveGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

The Map Design Process• Choosing a Map Size• Elements of a map composition• The Design Filter (what goes in yourmap… or not)• Planar Organization of VisualElementsGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Choosing a Map SizeFirst ask yourself these questions:• What does the end user want or need?• Can you physically produce the desired size?• Example: output limitations?• Are there publishing, framing, or laminatingrestrictions or limitations?• Will the data be legible or useful at thedesired size?GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Map Size Rule of ThumbIf left to you to determinemap size, produce it at thesmallest size feasible.GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Common Mapping SizesLetter . . . . . . . . . . 8.5” x 11”Legal . . . . . . . . . . . 8.5” x 14”Ledger . . . . . . . . . . 11” x 17”USGS Quad . . . . . . . 24” x 30”“2x3” . . . . . . . . . . . 24” x 36”“3x4” . . . . . . . . . . . 36” x 48”TabloidGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Page OrientationPortraitLandscapeGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

When to use portrait?PortraitAre is taller than wider? Use portrait.GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

When to use portrait?LandscapeAre is wider than taller? Use landscape.GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Using angles to display mapPortraitPortraitMercerCamdenBurlingtonOcean MonmouthAtlanticGIS 101: Introduction to GISMove the map to an angle to fit the area better.

Map LayoutGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

GIS 101: Introduction to GISTitle - Usually draws attention byvirtue of its dominant size; serves tofocus attention on the primarycontent of the map; may be omittedwhere captions are provided but arenot part of the map itself.

LegendsThe legend is the graphic guidethat you provide to your audience.You do not always need to providesymbols for all of the informationused in your maps.GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

GIS 101: Introduction to GISLegend - The principal symbolreferentdescription on the map;subordinate to the title, but a keyelement in map reading; serves todescribe all unknown symbols used.

Scale - scaleLarge scale maps should always include a scale. Maps thatinform the user about differences in distance or area shouldalso include a scale. Small scale maps may not need ascale, as scale varies greatly with world or continentalprojections.GIS 101: Introduction to GISWe talked about:• Verbal representation• Representative Fraction (RF)• Graphic Representation

GIS 101: Introduction to GISMap Scale - Usually included on athematic map; it provides the reader withimportant information regarding linearrelations on the map; can be graphic,verbal, or expressed as an RF.

Inset MapsGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Locator MapsGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

GIS 101: Introduction to GISInset Map or Location Diagram – Thisinforms the map user of the context of themap, i.e. the big picture. This will keep theuser from having to guess the location ofthe map.

Explanatory Text! Often vital to the success of your map" You cannot express everything with a map." Use explanatory text to communicate the mapcontent or necessary information." Use blocks on the map" Include interpretation of the map, patterns, etc.GIS 101: Introduction to GISThe map presents how the population ofBurlington County, NJ has change over the last 50years. Notice the development of new residentialareas, business, industry, and its infrastructure.

Sources and CreditsGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

GIS 101: Introduction to GISInformational or Credit Note -Can Include the map’s data source, anindication of their reliability, dates, andother explanatory material.

GIS 101: Introduction to GISDate – Use if the time of a map’spublication is a factor. This may also workwell as part of the Sub-title.

GIS 101: Introduction to GISCompany Identifier or Logo – Takecredit where credit’s due. Make sure touse a high quality logo, especially forpartnering agencies.

Directional IndicatorGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Elements of a MapCompositionBorders andNeatlines - Bothoptional; borders canserve to restrain eyemovement; neatlinesare finer lines thanborders, drawn insidethem and oftenrendered as part of thegraticule; used mostlyfor decoration.GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Graticules and Grids- Often omitted from thematic maps today; should beincluded if their locational information is crucial to themap’s purpose; usually treated as background orsecondary information. Grids show the same information,but display it across the body of the map and not justalong the neatline.GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Feature Content“Too many features are too much…… too little features are not enough”Rules of Thumb! Find a balance that portrays enough informationwithout making the map appear cluttered orbusy.! Show the necessary features along with enoughsupporting features for clarity.GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Focus of Attention! Readers eye normally follows a path fromupper left through the optical center to lowerright.! Point of greatest natural emphasis is wherea line of space division intersects either thefocus or field circles of attention.GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Map Layout: Focus – eye movementGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

BalanceThe two centersof an imagespace.OpticalCenterGeometriccenterThe designershould arrange themap’s elementsaround the visual(optical) center,rather than thegeometric center.GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Map Layout: Visual CenterCrosshatchedarea representsvisual centerGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Map Layout: BalanceGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Visual Balance! Visual balance results from two major factors: weightand direction.! Visual weight depends on location.! Elements at the center of a composition pull lessweight than those lying of the tracks of the structuralnet.! An object in the upper part of a composition is heavierthan one in the lower part.! Objects on the right of a composition appear heavierthan those on the left.! The weight of an object increases in proportion to itsdistance from the center of the composition.GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Map Layout:SymmetryGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Map Layout: Sight-LinesSight lines are invisible horizontal or vertical lines whichtouch the top, bottom or sides of map elements.Minimizing the number of sight lines simplifies complexity,reduces map disjointedness, and stabilizes and enhancesmap layout. This allows your map reader to focus on themap’s subject.Poor sight-linesGood sight-linesGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

Map Layout : Grid Symmetry! Grids establish sight-lines and divide space in such a way thatfocus and balance are enhanced. Grids for map layout can besymmetrical or asymmetrical." Symmetrical grids are based on two central axes (shifted slightly up tothe visual center) and top, bottom, and side margins." Asymmetrical grids are more complex, but still depend on the visualcenter as well as maintaining top, bottom, and side margins.Symmetrical gridAsymmetrical gridGIS 101: Introduction to GIS

GIS 101: Introduction to GIS

GIS 101: Introduction to GIS