Map Elements�Unit 5�

Module 5.2 Other Map Elements

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This course was provided to the GeoTech Center by: Prof. Hugh Howard

American River College

Cartographic Design for GIS (Geog. 340)

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Empowering Colleges:

Expanding the

Geospatial Workforce

Based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant DUE ATE 1304591. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

INSET

• A smaller map included within the context of a larger map
• Can serve several purposes
• In the world of ArcGIS, the inset is usually a separate data frame

INSET – Features not in the correct geographic location

INSET

• Can be used to show the primary mapped area in relation to a larger, more recognizable area (a locator map)

Shows Relative Location

• Can be used to enlarge important or congested areas (a zoom, or blow-up map)

Shows Enlargement of an Area

• Can be used to show topics that are related to the map’s theme, or different dates of a common theme

Shows Related Themes or Dates

TITLE and SUBTITLE

• The title and subtitle tell the map user what the map is about
• Most thematic maps require a title
• A title is sometimes omitted when a map is used as a figure in a written document, assuming that the title is clearly expressed in the figure caption
• A well-crafted title can draw attention to a map

TITLE

• The Title of a thematic map is a succinct description of the map’s theme
• General reference maps typically employ the geographic region as the title
• Unnecessary words should be omitted
• But avoid cryptic abbreviations
• Don’t include the word “Map” in a title!

Appropriate Titles

Inappropriate Titles

TITLE

Appropriate Titles

Inappropriate Titles

TITLE with SUBTITLE

• The subtitle, if employed, is used to further explain title
• The geographic region and date are common components of the subtitle but is often omitted (when it is easily identifiable)
• The subtitle should be horizontally centered below the title
• The style of the Title and Subtitle should be plain

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TITLE and SUBTITLE

• Use a subtle mask behind the title and subtitle only if it is necessary to cover the underlying mapped area to improve legibility

• If possible, place the title at top-center,
• The title should normally be the largest type on a thematic map – subtitle smaller
• Both the title and subtitle should be short and to the point (limited to one line each)

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LEGEND

• Defines the symbols found on a map
• On a thematic map, thematic symbols are defined, in addition to symbols for base information that are not self-explanatory
• Legends for general reference maps often define all symbols found on the map—even if self-explanatory

• The style of the legend should be clear and straightforward
• Use a subtle mask around the legend only if necessary to improve legibility
• Symbols in the legend should be identical to those on the mapped area
• This includes size, color, and orientation
• Don’t include the word “Legend”!

LEGEND

Poorly Designed

Well Designed

LEGEND

• Representative symbols should be placed on the left and defined to the right

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• Symbols should be vertically centered with their definitions
• Textual definitions and definitions consisting of individual numbers should be horizontally aligned to left

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LEGEND

• Definitions containing numbers of 1,000 or greater should incorporate commas
• Decimal numbers smaller than one should incorporate a leading zero

LEGEND

• The legend can be oriented horizontally
• Definitions are horizontally centered below the symbols they represent
• Symbols are vertically aligned to bottom

• Legend rectangles should be connected when representing the magnitude of an attribute

• Areal symbols on the mapped area are usually connected
• Connected rectangles help to emphasize the idea that a continuum of values is being represented

• Areal symbols can be represented by irregular, amorphous polygons
• Irregular polygons can look more natural
• Most appropriate for qualitative categories of areal data (separated)

Appropriate

Inappropriate

LEGEND

• A legend heading is often included to further explain the map’s theme
• The unit of measure (for quantitative data) and enumeration unit are common components of the legend heading

• The legend heading should be placed above the legend, and be horizontally centered with it
• Multiple lines of type can be horizontally centered (center justified)
• Horizontal centering creates a self-balancing group of objects

• Legend symbols are often organized into groups, according to a certain logic

• The legend should be large enough to be useful
• But should not occupy vast areas of space, or challenge thematic symbols

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Too Large

Large Enough

LEGEND

• If possible, the legend should be visually centered within a larger portion of available space

DATA SOURCE

• Allows the map user to determine where thematic data were obtained
• Sources of base information are normally omitted from thematic maps
• Should be formatted similar to a standard bibliographic reference, but is often more concise and less formal

DATA SOURCE

• The words “Data Source:” or “Source:” should be included to avoid ambiguity
• The data source indicates where data came from, not map authorship
• A separate block of type can be used to indicate map authorship
• The style of the data source should be plain and subtle
• Publication names should be italicized
• Multiple lines of type should be horizontally centered (center aligned)

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DATA SOURCE

• The data source should be among the smallest type on a map
• Its purpose is to inform the curious, not to attract attention
• Center it below the �legend
• Or tuck it into a lower �corner

End Unit 5 Module 5.2 Other Map Elements

Continue on to

Module 5.3 – Scale, Orientation and Type Size

Cartographic Design for GIS (Geog. 340)

Prof. Hugh Howard

American River College