Module 1: Map Design

Designing a good map can be a difficult challenge.  There are certain elements to keep in mind when creating a map.  Three guides that can be used are Tufteisms, mapping Commandments, and the Five Principles of Cartographic Design.  Below are examples of good and bad map design.

Good Map Design




Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
http://dnr.sc.gov/wma April 2009

This map is an example of good map design.  One design element this map follows is the 5^th Commandment, Map Layout Matters.  The creator of this map used their space wisely and used the open space around the state for legends, north arrow, and data source. 

The map also shows the 3^rd Principle and 4^th Commandment.  This is done by keeping the map clean and only putting details the audience will need in order to understand what counties are in which game zone.  The zones are clearly defined so there is no confusion where one ends and another begins. 

The third element of good map design is the map is clearly labeled.  It is easy to read all the numbers for the game zones and the counties.  The creator did not clutter the map with other labels, such as cities or roads.  The map seems to be telling the data and truthfully. 

 

Bad Map Design

 

This map is an example of bad map design.  The obvious issue with this map is it is cluttered and hard to read.   This violates Tufteism 7 and Commandment 4.  There are labels over each other and symbols over lapping labels which leads into principle 2.  There isn’t a clear hierarchy to the map either.  It is hard to tell what the most important piece on the map. 

Source: UWF

The creator of this map did maximize information, but at a huge cost (Principle 5).  The map is telling a lot but not clearly and very chaotic.  I think the creator of this map should have reviewed the map and made some edits to help their audience understand their message.  Reviewing and revising is both a Tufteism and a Principle which is key to improving any map.