7: Cartography II

Question 1

CARTOGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

Answer 1

special form of graphic communication which differs from verbal communication

Maps are SYNOPTIC, presenting information in a holistic fashion. Map reader receives information all at once.

Therefore the map maker/reader can’t control the order in which information is received, except by using map design to emphasise the most important information

Question 2

MAP DESIGN

Answer 2

Map hierarchy:
foreground - most important
middle ground - semi important
background - least important

Perceptual importance:
use strong visual contrasts, darker features stand out

The two centres of image space: place the most important features at the optical centre, just above the geometric centre

Map design - more of an art - intriguing and curiosity-provoking, drawing the viewer into the wonder of the data

• narrative power
• detail
• elegant presentation

Question 3

CRITIQUING MAPS

Answer 3

Think about...
Lineweight
Shading and colour
Layout
How the data is displayed: are the categories appropriate, clear, are the areas appropriate, does it use rates vs a simple count
Legend
Map elements

Question 4

CARTOGRAPHIC SYMBOLISATION

Answer 4

6 ways to symbolise points, lines and polygons:
size
density
colour
shape
texture
orientation

Question 5

MAP LAYOUT & ELEMENTS

Answer 5

Title
Grid
Map body
Scale bar
North arrow
Inset map
Legend
Data source
Author
Projection
Labels
Bounding box / frames

Question 6

CARTOGRAPHIC COLOUR SCHEMES

Answer 6

simple hue (like a gradient) / sequential
light to dark
ex: white to blue
dark represents high, light is low

part-spectral / sequential
ex: light yellow to dark yellow
can be hard to distinguish if too many categories

full spectral
lots of different colours, doesn’t make sense unless there is a hierarchy, rainbow order

double-ended / divergin
two opposite colours
works best for negative and positive values/categories

Question 7

How to arrange map elements

Answer 7

choose a suitable map area
preferred arrangements:
-legend to the right or below
-title above the map or legend
-scale below
-secondary elements keep minor

overall impression:

• use of paper or screen
• figure/ground contrasts
• optical balances
• frames need to be delicate

Question 8

How to arrange map elements

Answer 8

choose a suitable map area

preferred arrangements:

• legend to the right or below
• title above the map or legend
• scale below
• secondary elements keep minor

overall impression:

• use of paper or screen
• figure/ground contrasts
• optical balances
• frames need to be delicate

Question 9

Map design summary

Answer 9

• maps are a graphical means of communication
• which relies on clarity and intuitiveness
• visual variables are ‘the vocabulary’ of the cartographic language
• theory defines its syntax and semantics
• various extensions of the original theory of Bertin
• the use of colour is the most critical issue