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When you need to create communicative map in GIS, you may need to considers these few things
Understand the elements of a map, you should know which element should be included in your map
A map can be composed of many different map elements. They may include: Main map body, legend, title, scale indicator, orientation indicator, inset map and source and ancillary information.
Not all elements need to be present in a map. In fact, in some cases they may not be appropriate at all. A scale bar, for instance, may not be appropriate if the coordinate system used does not preserve distance across the map’s extent.
understand your intended audience
Knowing why and for whom a map is being made will dictate its layout. If it’s to be included in a paper as a figure, then parsimony should be the guiding principle. If it’s intended to be a standalone map, then additional map elements may be required.
Knowing the intended audience should also dictate what you will convey and how. If it’s a general audience with little technical expertise then a simpler presentation may be in order. If the audience is well versed in the topic, then the map may be more complex.
Map elements. Note that not all elements are needed, nor are they appropriate in some cases. Can you identify at least one element that does not belong in the map (hint, note the orientation of the longitudinal lines; are they parallel to one another? What implication does this have on the North direction and the placement of the North arrow?)
Understand the elements of a map, you should know which element should be included in your map
A map can be composed of many different map elements. They may include: Main map body, legend, title, scale indicator, orientation indicator, inset map and source and ancillary information.
Not all elements need to be present in a map. In fact, in some cases they may not be appropriate at all. A scale bar, for instance, may not be appropriate if the coordinate system used does not preserve distance across the map’s extent.
understand your intended audience
Knowing why and for whom a map is being made will dictate its layout. If it’s to be included in a paper as a figure, then parsimony should be the guiding principle. If it’s intended to be a standalone map, then additional map elements may be required.
Knowing the intended audience should also dictate what you will convey and how. If it’s a general audience with little technical expertise then a simpler presentation may be in order. If the audience is well versed in the topic, then the map may be more complex.
Map elements. Note that not all elements are needed, nor are they appropriate in some cases. Can you identify at least one element that does not belong in the map (hint, note the orientation of the longitudinal lines; are they parallel to one another? What implication does this have on the North direction and the placement of the North arrow?)
