CV-07 - Visual Hierarchy, Layout, and Map Elements
- List the major factors that should be considered in preparing a map
- Discuss how to create an intellectual and visual hierarchy on maps
- Discuss the differences between maps that use the same data but are for different purposes and intended audiences
- Discuss Tufte’s influence (or lack thereof) on cartographic design
- Critique the graphic design of several maps in terms of balance, legibility, clarity, visual contrast, figure-ground organization, and hierarchal organization
- Critique the layout of several maps, taking into account the map audience and purpose and the graphic design (visual balance, hierarchy, figure-ground), as well as the map components (north arrow, scale bar, and legend)
- Design maps that are appropriate for users with vision limitations
- Apply one or more Gestalt principles to achieve appropriate figure-ground for map elements
- Prepare different map layouts using the same map components (main map area, inset maps, titles, legends, scale bars, north arrows, grids, and graticule) to produce maps with very distinctive purposes
- Prepare different maps using the same data for different purposes and intended audiences (e.g., expert and novice hikers)
- Describe differences in design needed for a map that is to be viewed on the Internet versus as a 5-by 7-foot poster, including a discussion of the effect of viewing distance, lighting, and media type
- Describe the design needs of special purpose maps, such as subdivision plans, cadastral mapping, drainage plans, nautical charts, aeronautical charts, geological maps, military maps, wiremesh volume maps, and 3-D plans of urban change
CV-08 - Symbolization and the Visual Variables
Maps communicate information about the world by using symbols to represent specific ideas or concepts. The relationship between a map symbol and the information that symbol represents must be clear and easily interpreted. The symbol design process requires first an understanding of the underlying nature of the data to be mapped (e.g., its spatial dimensions and level of measurement), then the selection of symbols that suggest those data attributes. Cartographers developed the visual variable system, a graphic vocabulary, to express these relationships on maps. Map readers respond to the visual variable system in predictable ways, enabling mapmakers to design map symbols for most types of information with a high degree of reliability.