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A good map establishes a visual hierarchy that ensures that the most important elements are at the top of this hierarchy and the least important are at the bottom. Typically, the top elements should consist of the main map body, the title (if this is a standalone map) and a legend (when appropriate).
When showcasing Choropleth maps,
it’s best to limit the color swatches to less than a dozen–it becomes difficult for the viewer to tie too many different colors in a map to a color swatch element in the legend. Also, classification breaks should not be chosen at random but should be chosen carefully; for example adopting a quantile classifications scheme to maximize the inclusion of the different color swatches in the map; or a classification system designed based on logical breaks (or easy to interpret breaks) when dictated by theory or cultural predisposition.
Scale bars and north arrows should be used judiciously and need not be present in every map. These elements are used to measure orientation and distances. Such elements are critical in reference maps such as USGS Topo maps and navigation maps but serve little purpose in a thematic map where the goal is to highlight differences between aerial units. If, however, these elements are to be placed in a thematic map, reduce their visual prominence The same principle applies to the selection of an orientation indicator (north arrow) element. Use a small north arrow design if it is to be placed low in the hierarchy, larger if it is to be used as a reference (such as a nautical chart).
Scale bar designs from simplest (top) to more complex (bottom). Use the simpler design if it’s to be placed low in the visual hierarchy.
Title and other text elements should be concise and to the point.
If the map is to be embedded in a write-up such as a journal article, book or web page, title and text(s) elements should be omitted in favor of figure captions and written description in the accompanying text.
Following the aforementioned guidelines can go a long way in producing a good map.
Here, a divergent color scheme is chosen whereby the two hues converge to the median income value. A coordinate system that minimizes distance error measurements and that preserves “north” orientation across the main map’s extent is chosen since a scale bar and north arrow are present in the map. The inset map (lower left map body) is placed lower in the visual hierarchy and could be omitted if the intended audience was familiar with the New England area. A unique (and unconventional) legend orders the color swatches in the order in which they appear in the map (i.e. following a strong north-south income gradient)
A good map establishes a visual hierarchy that ensures that the most important elements are at the top of this hierarchy and the least important are at the bottom. Typically, the top elements should consist of the main map body, the title (if this is a standalone map) and a legend (when appropriate).
When showcasing Choropleth maps,
it’s best to limit the color swatches to less than a dozen–it becomes difficult for the viewer to tie too many different colors in a map to a color swatch element in the legend. Also, classification breaks should not be chosen at random but should be chosen carefully; for example adopting a quantile classifications scheme to maximize the inclusion of the different color swatches in the map; or a classification system designed based on logical breaks (or easy to interpret breaks) when dictated by theory or cultural predisposition.
Scale bars and north arrows should be used judiciously and need not be present in every map. These elements are used to measure orientation and distances. Such elements are critical in reference maps such as USGS Topo maps and navigation maps but serve little purpose in a thematic map where the goal is to highlight differences between aerial units. If, however, these elements are to be placed in a thematic map, reduce their visual prominence The same principle applies to the selection of an orientation indicator (north arrow) element. Use a small north arrow design if it is to be placed low in the hierarchy, larger if it is to be used as a reference (such as a nautical chart).
Scale bar designs from simplest (top) to more complex (bottom). Use the simpler design if it’s to be placed low in the visual hierarchy.
Title and other text elements should be concise and to the point.
If the map is to be embedded in a write-up such as a journal article, book or web page, title and text(s) elements should be omitted in favor of figure captions and written description in the accompanying text.
Following the aforementioned guidelines can go a long way in producing a good map.
Here, a divergent color scheme is chosen whereby the two hues converge to the median income value. A coordinate system that minimizes distance error measurements and that preserves “north” orientation across the main map’s extent is chosen since a scale bar and north arrow are present in the map. The inset map (lower left map body) is placed lower in the visual hierarchy and could be omitted if the intended audience was familiar with the New England area. A unique (and unconventional) legend orders the color swatches in the order in which they appear in the map (i.e. following a strong north-south income gradient)