Cartography
 GEO 225, Fall 2007
Geography & Meteorology Valapariso University

Elements of Cartographic Design/Text

The Design Process

Creativity in Design

Graphic Ideation

Experimentation

Map Aesthetics

Map Design is Both Subjective and Objective

Design Elements

  • Map Elements
    • Frame Line
    • Neatline
    • Mapped Area
    • Inset
    • Title and Subtitle
    • Scale
    • Orientation (north arrow, or graticule)

  • Design Levels on a Map
    • Map Composition
    • Planar Organization
    • Visual Heirarchy
    • Balance
    • Focus of Attention

Contrast

Figure Ground Phenomenon

Interposition Phenomenon

Type

  • How Cartographic Lettering Differs from Book and text lettering
  • Type Size
  • Letterspacing
  • Typeface Classification
  • Serif and Sans-Serif
  • Type Personality
  • Legibility and Discernabilty
  • Harmony
  • Capital and Lowercase
  • Titles and Legends

Type Placement Guidelines

  • Points
  • Linear Features
  • Areal Features

 
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