Geographic Information Systems Map Design Flashcards

Cartographic Principles

• The science of making maps.
• One of the contributing disciplines to GIS.
• GIS can graphically portray geographic analysis results.
• People relate to maps.
• Maps have the potential to relay information quickly.

Map Definition

• A map is a “spatial representation of the environment.” - Muehrcke and Muehrcke (1998)
• All maps are abstractions of real world phenomena.
• Maps, within natural resource applications, should:
  • Represent land area.
  • Convey message or theme about land area.

Mapmaking Considerations

• Mapmakers need to understand…
  • The objective(s) of the map (the message).
  • The people who may use the map (the audience).
  • The data that will be displayed in the map (the information available).
  • The use of graphics software for displaying map information.
  • The final format of the printed or digital version of the map (the product).

Map Components

• Symbology
• Direction
• Scale
• Legend
• Locational inset
• Neatline
• Typography
• Color and contrast
• Secondary information

Symbology

• The art of expression.
• Using graphics and text to convey meaning.
• Most GIS packages offer a strong collection of symbology choices.
• Examples:
  • Campground
  • Gravel, sand, clay, or borrow pit
  • Mine shaft
  • Seawall
  • Shoal
  • Spot elevation
  • State or territory
  • Tunnel: road
  • Airport
  • Amphitheater
  • Boat launch
  • Boat tour
  • Bicycle trail
  • Bus stop/Shuttle stop
  • Campfire
  • Campground
  • Canoe access

Direction

• Where’s north?
• A variety of north arrow designs.

Scale

• The representation of map figures to their on the ground equivalents
• A key part of most maps
• Several different approaches:
  • Graphical scales:
  • Written scales: 1 cm represents 10 km
  • Proportional scales: 1 : 12,000, 1 : 24,000, 1 : 250,000

Legend

• Putting meaning to symbols
• A map legend containing symbology and definitions.
• Example: Streams, Roads, Stand boundaries, Property boundary, Harvest area, Log decks / Landings, Gates, Houses.

Locational Inset

• An inset map, also known as a locator map or a small-scale map, is a map that shows a larger area in context to a smaller area.
• In other words, it's a small map that is included within a larger map to provide more detail about a specific location or region.
• A map of the Brown Tract roads and trails containing a neatline, locational inset, title, legend, scale, and north arrow.

Neatline

• A border that surrounds a map figure
• Usually a line
• Adds a sense of closure to a map
• Featured on many professional maps but not a requirement for mapping excellence

Color and Contrast

• People associate colors of mapped features with events, emotions, and socio-economic status
• Although men and women react similarly to color, some reactions may vary depending on culture (Valdez & Mehrabin 1994)
• Emotional reactions to colors by southeastern college students (Kaya and Epps 2004)
  • Green - relaxed, calm, and comforted, associated with nature
  • Blue - relaxed, calm, and comforted, yet associated with sadness or loneliness
  • Yellow - lively and energetic, associated with summertime
  • Red - color with anger
  • Purple - relaxed and calm, associated with childhood or power
  • White - innocence, peace, purity, or emptiness, and also snowfall or cotton
  • Black - sadness, depression, fear, and darkness, yet also with richness, power, and wealth
  • Gray - negative emotions, bad weather, and foggy days

Secondary Information

• Author
• Date
• Location of map file(s) and supporting data
• Source data
• Legal considerations…

Types of Maps

• Thematic maps
• Dot density maps
• Contour maps
• Cartogram maps

Thematic Maps

• Use colors, shades, or symbols to describe spatial variation of one or more landscape features
• An efficient way to draw attention to different landscape conditions or values
• Choropleth maps are the most common type of thematic map

Map Setup and Balance

• Landscape Title of Map Scale Bar Map Preparer, etc. North Arrow Legend
• Landscape Title of Map Legend Scale Bar Map Preparer, etc. North Arrow

Design Loop

• Develop Map -> Get Feedback -> Map Acceptable? (No -> Edit Map, Yes -> Map Completed)

Map Content Considerations

• Audience - are they all familiar with your study area? Is an inset required?
• Will others need to track your sources?
• Do you need to record where the map is stored?
• Are revisions expected or will the study area change (date)?
• Title, scale, author, and north arrow are safe bets
• Publication outlets may have their own guidelines

Common Map Problems

• Wrong audience
• Omitting a necessary element
• Too much clutter (symbology)
• Too much detail (annotation)
• Plotter or printer produces something different than what you see on the screen

Cartographer Responsibility

• Be Accurate: Maps should show correct information and be as accurate as possible.
• Be Honest: Don’t manipulate the data or visuals to mislead people.
• Give Credit to Sources: Always mention where the data came from and any limitations it might have.
• Design Clearly: Make sure the map is easy to understand and not confusing.
• Consider the Audience: Design maps with the people who will use them in mind.
• Make Maps Accessible: Ensure maps are easy for everyone to read, including people with disabilities.
• Update Regularly: Keep maps current and accurate, especially when information changes.