1. Three Basic Attributes of Maps
Scale
Projection
Generalization
scale: The relationship between distance on a map and on the earth's surface. Or “the ratio of map distance to ground distance”
Scale vs. Geographic scope: large scale maps represent small areas, small scale rep. “vast regions”
-projection: A mathematical formula which assists in representing the curved surface of the earth onto the flat surface of a map
- Cartographic Generalization : another necessary distortion, reducing specificity
- "Most maps are massive reductions of the reality they represent, and clarity demands that much of that reality be suppressed. The mapmaker who tries to tell the whole truth in a single map typically produces a confusing display." p.215-6

2. Scale Representative fraction 1:24,000
Verbal statement One cm represents 5 miles
Bar Scale
Bar scale stays true even if you increase or decrease the size of the map. Also, you don’t have to envision a ruler.
Why are bar scales problematic on small scale maps?
Which is more user friendly, in your opinion? In what situation? For whom?

3. Scale 1: 2500 Close up of London map, large scale map, small area
1:2500

4. Scale
1:10,000
1:10,000
Farther away. Note that bar scales “scale” as you zoom in and out.
Medium/intermediate scale: 1:24,000,USGS Topo Map; others say 1/100,000 or 1/250,000

5. Scale
1:1,000,000
Small scale, large area
1:1,000,000

6. Projection Globe Projections with True distance True direction
True area
True shape
Distortion: what do you preserve. Choose your distortion: “unbiased, undistorted world maps and globes”
There is no projection that has true all four.

7. Projection What do you choose as the center?
What do you preserve? Scale? Coastlines, boundaries and borders?

8. Projection

9. Generalization
How much information is appropriate to offer the reader in order to accomplish the purpose?
Induction
What map elements need to be visually dominant?
Visual Hierarchy
Does each map element directly contribute to the purpose?
Do I need to define any map elements in a legend?
Adressing audience and intent
Induction - when your intended visual hierarchy = percieved visual hierarchy
Positive & negative induction
Scale and generalization: look at Fig. 1, p. 217
Small scale maps: “mere points and circles substitute for complex city boundaries”
Visual Hierarchy - small scale maps usually borrow features from existing large scale maps
Look at Fig. 2 on p.217: what principles of design are at work here?

10. Generalization Map Generalization
Classed: north carolina: pig farms; pig population; blob of data; density as color
Exaggeration - river.
Symbolization - dot representing complex boundaries, vs. detailed symbols
Generalization

11. Texas Railroad Map from 1900
What is ths map of? No apparent visual hierarchy. Historical vs. contemporary use.

12. Playing with data

13. Playing with Data, population density in map
Lying with Data.
Count (magnitude) data vs. intensity data; dot map vs. chloropleth map
See count data in figs. 7 & 8 p
1 Dot = 10,000

14. Dot Density
1 Dot = 2,500

15. Dot Density
1 Dot = 500

16. Historical accuracy and inaccuracy: How much did early explorers know?

17. Atitlan-Santiago, Guatemala 1500s

18. Satellite image from recent times
Satellite image from recent times. Mountains, little finger, elevation changes; hillsides in old map

19. Top = 1719 North America, Bottom = 1540
Draw in pictures; sea monsters

20. Stories about the place; savage slayings, sugar plantation.
Add interest; cartographer’s personal stamp, creative flourish.

21. Working with color

22. directional

23. 2000
Pretty but no direction.

24. Austin City Connection

25. Edwards Aquifer
Inset map