Introduction to Cartographic Design Richard Taketa Associate Professor Department of Geography San Jose State University

Basic Map Design Visual organization Improve legibility Focus attention Maps do not have a natural sequence Design can guide the map reader Make the reader’s job easier

Today’s Design Topics Figure-ground Layout Generalization Symbolization

Figure-Ground

Figure-Ground Graphic characteristics Some elements as figures Other elements as background

Can’t easily distinguish elements Figure-Ground Can’t easily distinguish elements

Figure-Ground How people see graphics Elements Contrast Contour Closure Enclosure Visual organization

More contrast = stronger figure

Not just the darker element Contrast Not just the darker element

Sharper contour (edge) = stronger figure

Closed element = stronger figure Closure Closed element = stronger figure

More enclosed = stronger figure Enclosure More enclosed = stronger figure

Create Visual Levels

Figure-Ground

Figure-Ground

Figure-Ground

Figure-Ground

Layout

Layout Arrangement of map elements Objectives Visual balance Structure

Centering is a good starting point...

Poor balance = harder to read

Assign appropriate emphasis

Text Placement: Figural Object

Text Placement: Background Object

Text Placement: Enhance Pattern

Text Placement: Hide Pattern

Generalization

Generalization Level of detail Function of Purpose Scale Graphic limits Quality of data

Generalization Simplification Selection Classification Symbolization Induction

GIS Data Detailed

Detail a Problem for Symbolization

Simplifying for Clarity Loss of information…negligible

Detail Changes with Scale

Symbolization

Symbolization Most maps involve abstract symbols Represent features of interest Can’t always show them as they actually look

Graphic Variables Shape Size Color Hue Lightness Saturation Orientation Pattern Texture

Levels of Measurement Nominal Ordinal Interval Ratio

Symbolization & Measurement Nominal Ordinal Interval/Ratio x x x x - Shape Size Color Hue Lightness Saturation Orientation Pattern Texture

Symbolization

Symbolization Can affect ability to see patterns Complex symbolization and classifications can obscure

Map Design Summary Organize graphic information Provide structure Make the map legible Focus the reader’s attention

Guide the reader...

Contact Information Richard Taketa Department of Geography San Jose State University One Washington Square San Jose, CA 95192-0116 408-924-5425 rtaketa@email.sjsu.edu