4. Basic Elements of Map Composition
As the questions of message, audience, and context are addressed, one can
turn to issues relating to the form, layout, and composition of a map.
In this section, we will begin by raising questions about size and proportion,
about simplification, and about the general types of information that are
arrayed on maps. Although symbolization is critical to map composition,
it is so important a subject that it will be considered in the next section.
4.1 The format of the final production?
examples of different production formats
From the very start of a cartographic project, you must keep an
eye on the format of the final production--its final size and proportions
and the media that will be used for production. If your final map will
occupy a half page in a journal printed on 8x10 inch paper in black on
white, you must design without color, with the frame of the map in the
proportion of 4:5, and make allowances for lettering and symbols that may
be illegible at small sizes. Strategies that work for one paper size may
not work for another. The same is true for different types of media and
printers. Each has its strengths and limitations with respect to the colors,
patterns, and lettering that can be produced. Also, a map placed in a book,
journal, or thesis will usually be captioned rather than titled and some
of the other information needed for effective communication will move to
this caption.
4.2 The issue of generalization, simplification,
and abstraction
Cartography is very much a process of abstraction in which features
of the real world are generalized or simplified to meet the demands of
the theme and audience. Not all elements or details have a bearing on the
pattern or process being studied and so some are eliminated to draw the
reader's attention to those facts that are relevant. Too much detail can
even hide or disguise the message of a map. The amount of detail that can
be included is very much dependent on the scale at which the map will be
produced, as the following examples demonstrate. A small-scale map of an
area must, almost of necessity, be more generalized. Some automated systems
now have the ability to provide assistance in the generalization and simplification
of features. If such routines are not available, you should study a test
plot of your map at its final scale. If linework or lettering touches itself
and blurs together, you should consider generalizing the features and enlarging
the lettering.
You
may wish to map one part of a larger area--one country out of a continent,
or one state out of many. The amount of surrounding territory and the number
of neighboring features you include will vary substantially by context.
In effect, the more your audience knows, the less you have to show. Be
aware, however, that adding just "a little" information, unless done wisely,
can lead to confusion. Sometimes locator and index maps (see below) are
used to help orient the reader to the location of the area of interest.
4.3 Basic map elements: Information commonly needed
by the map reader
Almost all maps must include certain basic elements that provide the
reader with critical information. Among these are the title, scale, legend,
body of the map, north arrow, cartographer, neatline, date of production,
projection used, and information about sources. The placement of this information
and the style of its depiction will vary greatly from map to map depending--as
always--on the audience and message. Some elements are found on almost
all maps no matter what the theme, others are depend heavily on the context
in which the map will be read. Let us consider these elements to see how
they are depicted and why their importance may vary from map to map.
ELEMENTS
THAT ARE FOUND ON VIRTUALLY ALL MAPS: Distance
or Scale, Direction,
Legend,
Sources
of information and how processed
ELEMENTS
THAT ARE SENSITIVE TO CONTEXT: Title,
Projection,
Cartographer,
Date
of production
ELEMENTS
THAT ARE USED SELECTIVELY TO ASSIST EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: Neatlines,
Locator
maps, Inset
maps, Index
maps
4.4 Elements are balanced within the visual hierarchy
and frame of the map
As one considers each map element, the cartographer must determine
its importance to and priority within the overall map design. The most
important elements in a given design should be featured in more prominent
positions and perhaps occupy a larger area within the map frame. As a first
approximation, the most important information should be featured near the
top or to the left of the map. Less important and ancillary map elements
can be positioned toward the bottom and right. In this way, the importance
of the various map elements can be matched to the visual hierarchy of the
map itself. In general terms, the importance of a given map element should
be reflected in its position and the amount space it occupies on the map.
Once the elements are arranged to reflect their importance, attention
can be given to their overall balance in the map frame. The idea here is
to distribute the elements as evenly as possible within the map frame to
avoid unnecessary crowding or, conversely, large blank areas. The cartographer
can also align map elements within the frame to allow readers to more easily
scan the page
4.5 Experiment with map layouts
Experimentation is often required to achieve an effective layout.
You might begin by preparing some simple sketches of you map blocking out
how you will use the available space. Sketches such as this allow you to
consider alternative layouts before you begin to compose the elements in
detail. Sometimes computer-assisted drafting systems can be useful at this
stage because of the ease with which they permit you to experiment with
possible layouts.
4.6 There should be a defensible reason for each
element placed on a map and for its composition
As you develop a design for a map, think carefully about every element--does
it play an essential function, could it be simplified, does it require
elaboration, is it of critical importance to reader comprehension, or only
of background interest. Such questioning of every detail is important to
effective map making. Everything that appears on a map should be there
for a defensible reason relating to message and audience.
4.7 Less is more
As you consider the elements of your map, it is sometimes useful
to apply the adage less is more. As you work, consider ways in which
you can simplify your design and make it more legible. Too much detail
or too complex a layout can confuse readers and work against effective
communication. Do not avoid experiments, but be sure to test them carefully
with your potential readers.
Go
on to The Cartographer's Palette
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examples of different production formats
