Lecture 6

MAP DESIGN: PART II

Map Elements, Cartography, Text,

Annotation, Labels and Graphics

Outline

What is a good map?Things to think about when making a mapDesign ProcessMap ElementsLabelsAnnotationText and GraphicsFinal Comments

What is a good map?

“Maps are a representation, normally to scale and on a flat medium, of a selection of material or abstract features on, or in relation to, the surface of the Earth” (International Cartographic Association)

A good map is a map that is able to convey information to its readers in an attempt to enlighten, convince, or persuade.

What is a good map?

Things to think about when making a map…

What is the motive or goal of the map?Who will read the map?Where will the map be used?What data is available for the composition of the map?What resources are available in terms of time and equipment?

Design Process

1. Identify the problem to present2. Identify the purpose of the map (i.e., who will

be reading your map?)3. Formulate your preliminary ideas (what type of

map will you use, how big, what colors, what data, etc.)

4. Perform your analysis and implement your map

5. Get feedback and make corrections to your map, it is a dynamic process.

Map Elements

Map Elements

Map elements found on virtually all good maps:• Title• Scale or Distance (Scale bar)

• Direction (Either a north arrow or a graticule)• Legend• Sources of information and how data was processed

Map Elements

Map elements that are sensitive to context:• Title: Text in legend or labels may give information

that you can remove from the title. Careful with publications!

• Projection: Some projections are implicit with the coordinate system (Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinate System)

• Cartographer: May be the name of a person or corporate identity.

• Date of Production: May vary if map is continually reproduced.

Map Elements

North arrow appropriate.

North arrow not

appropriate.

Use orientation with a grid

(or graticule)

Map Elements

Elements that are used selectively to assist effective communication:

• Neatlines• Inset maps

Always remember that in most instances less is more!

Design Choices

Default Format Same map better format!

Always strive for clarity and avoid garish colors, clutter, and confusion.

Things to remember….

Visually balance your mapLimit colors and shadesAvoid texture vibrationKnow your viewing distanceCreate specialized symbol stylesUse layer filesUse bookmarks

Page and Print Setup

When designing a layout, always decide on and set the page size FIRST!Go to File….Page and Print Setup.See PAGE SIZES handout for standard dimensions.

Adding Map Elements

In the Layout View:• Go to

Insert….

Templates

Create your own template ORUse existing map templates• Select template

when opening ArcMap OR

• Go to “Change Layout” button and select template.

.mxt extension

Dynamic LabelsBased on layer attributesComplete control over properties – color, size, etc.Limited control over placement Importance of setting scale dependence –faster rendering.

Label Properties

AnnotationTwo types of Annotation:• Database (i.e. based in a

geodatabase)• Map Annotation

Complete control over all properties and placement.Can generate new or import from Labels.• Label features, then right-

click Convert Labels to Annotation.

More challenging to create and manage.

Text and Graphics

Quick way to place features (points, lines or polygons) or text on the map.NOT linked to data – stored in the map document.If you want the text or graphics to stay overlaid with your data layers, always add to the data view!Only add to layout view when inserting map layout elements such as title and north arrow.

Text and Graphics

Tools available on Drawtoolbar.Use ‘Select Elements’ tool.• Select by dragging a box or

clicking individually (Shift key to add elements)

• Access ‘Element Properties’ for size, color, etc.

Go to Drawing menu to organize elements and set default symbol properties

Tips and Tricks

Focus Data Frame Button1:1 Button – Zoom to 100% of layoutPlace Tools and Layout toolbars in different locations.Keep all layout objects in inside the printer margins.Export to Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator for enhanced presentation.