This document discusses the fundamentals of cartographic modeling. It outlines elements that are commonly found on maps like scale, direction, legends and sources. It also discusses elements that are sensitive to context like the title, projection and date. Guiding questions for effective maps include the intent, intended users and access. The document provides resources on topics like map communication, representation, guidelines and more.
8. What is a (good) map?
Or, what should a map do?
Communicate
Engage
Report
What else?
9. Fundamentals
Elements that are found on virtually all maps:
Distance or scale
Direction
Legend
[Sources of information and how processed]
http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/cartocom/cartocom_f.html
10. Fundamentals
Elements that are sensitive to context:
Title
Projection
Cartographer
Date of production
http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/cartocom/cartocom_f.html
11. Fundamentals
Elements that are used selectively to assist
effective communication:
Neatlines
Locator maps
Inset maps
Index maps
http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/cartocom/cartocom_f.html
24. Some guidelines from a trusted source
Lettering
All type should be from common type families
(examples: Helvetica, Arial, Times New Roman, etc.).
Type must be sufficiently large to be easily read at
final print size; no type smaller than 6 point.
Type placed on screen tints or area patterns must be
clearly readable. White type can be used over dark
screen tints, and area patterns can be lightened to
prevent interference with type.
The International System of Units (metric) should be
used; other units may be noted in parentheses
http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/authors/raag-graphics-guidelines.pdf
25. Some guidelines from a trusted source
Screen tints and patterns
Screen tints and area pattern fills should reflect
the importance of graphic elements through visual
hierarchy (i.e., more important elements appear
more prominently than less important elements).
Typically, graphics should not have more than 6
tints.
Graphic files should be submitted at 600 dpi.
http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/authors/raag-graphics-guidelines.pdf
26. More resources
http://colorbrewer2.org/
http://cartographicperspectives.org/index.php
/journal
http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/n
otes/cartocom/cartocom_f.html
http://www.cartography2.org/
http://cartastrophe.wordpress.com/