Map Layouts and Map Elements

Question 1

The Map Design Process: Dent’s Approach, what is the six sequential steps?

Answer 1

 Problem identification
 Preliminary ideas
 Design refinement
 Analysis
 Decision
 Implementation

Mental imaging is the ability to visualize the end product.

Question 2

What are the 5 steps for Communicating Map Information?

Answer 2

Slocum’s Approach

Step 1: Consider what the real-world distribution of the
phenomenon might look like.
 Step 2: Determine the purpose of the map and its
intended audience.
 Step 3: Collect data appropriate for the map’s purpose.
 Step 4: Design and construct the map.
 This step requires multiple, important considerations
 Step 5: Determine whether users find the map
useful and informative.

Question 3

4 Stages of the visualization process?

Answer 3

Preparation
 Incubation
 Illumination
 Verification or revision

Question 4

Define Creativity

Answer 4

Dent defines creativity as the ability to see relationships among
elements. Other synonyms are: imaginativeness, ingenuity,
resourcefulness, vision.

Question 5

3 elements of aesthetic quality

Answer 5

Harmony
Composition
Clarity

Question 6

Map bodies in thematic maps include?

Answer 6

Base information: this is a geographic frame of reference and can
include boundaries, landmarks, place names, etc.
 The thematic layer: symbols that represent the map’s theme
The mapped area can be shown as
a “floating” region, thus isolating
the area from the surrounding
geography

Question 7

Map title needs to include what 3 things?

Answer 7

What, where and when.

Question 8

Can map title be included as part of the legend?

Answer 8

Yes

Question 9

Map legend 5 rules:

Answer 9

 Symbols used in the map are explained through the legend.
 Symbols in the legend should be identical to the symbols in the map.
 Symbols are typically placed on the left
and its textual definition to the right.
 Legend title should be included.
 Avoid splitting the legend into two sections.

Question 10

3 ways to represent map scale:

Answer 10

Representative Fraction (RF).
 Graphical Representation - scale bar.
 Verbal Statement.

Question 11

What is the recommended length for a scale bar?

Answer 11

As a rule of thumb, the leng

Question 12

Neatlines help what two elements?

Answer 12

 Organize the map layout.
 Focus the map user’s
attention.

Question 13

How can map inserts help?

Answer 13

 To show location of the map in
relation to larger area.
 To enlarge a smaller area within the
map.
 To show topic related to the main
theme.
 To show related areas in a different
location.

Question 14

What is visual hierarchy?

Answer 14

Visual hierarchy, also called organizational hierarchy, is the intellectual
plan for the map, along with the corresponding design (layout).

 Symbols and map elements are ranked according to their relative
importance. For instance, map titles and legends are more
important than scale bars and north arrows.
 Important elements are emphasized and less important elements
are deemphasized.
 Important elements may receive a larger amount of layout space,
while less important elements may be grouped with other elements.

Question 15

What does map balance refer to?

Answer 15

Balance refers to the organization of the various map elements on the
layout, and the simultaneous arrangement of these elements with
empty spaces.

Question 16

What is optical center?

Answer 16

Just up from the middle of the layout page

Question 17

What are the objectives of map balance?

Answer 17

 The arrangement of map element should be cent

Question 18

Five varieties of visual contrast?

Answer 18

 Line contrast
 Texture contrast
 Value contrast
 Colour contrast
 Figure-ground

Question 19

What is figure ground?

Answer 19

Figure-ground is a principle of
graphic design where certain
objects are emphasized more than
others by making them appear
closer to the map reader

 Figure-ground is a special type of
contrast
 Objects that stand-out against their
background are the figure.
 In the case of thematic maps the
base map is the ground.