Common Sense Cartography

http://proceedings.esri.com/library/userconf/proc18/tech-workshops/tw_1476-283.pdf

Open discussion

What is Cartography?
- As a language
- Compromise - simplify; harsh decisions about what’s included
- ART - Design and symbology
- Opportunity - elevator pitch
- GRAPH - maps, but also communication through imagery
- Y (why) -
Text vs map
- Ask for directions vs show map
- Map is not linear: all at once
- Language of graphics: deeper than words, direct to brain
Principles of map design
- Concept before compilation
- Hierarchy with harmony
- Simplicity form Sacrifice
- Clutter to Clarity
- Emotion Expresses, engages, elucidates
Design process
- Linear process
- Wireframing
Constraints
- Audience
- Media resolution
- Vieing distance
- Output media
- Expectation of knowledge
Form & Function
Design heirarchy
Projection
Design Symbols
- Syntax of map; convey info
- Many forms/size/shape
- Many functions: size = magnitude
  - Go with what brain understands
  - Don’t go beyond
- [see slides!]
Feature generalization
- [Generalization wheel]
- Filter on size (omission)
Design color
- Color blindness
- Qualitative vs quantitative
- Sequential
- Sequential with hue
- Spectral - bad!
- Levels
- Transparency
- 4 color theorem
- Strong opinions
- Color linking
Design typography
- [Slide]
- Font type (serif)
- Font size (try smaller)
- Font color/contrast
- Font placement & kerning
- Capitalization (All caps)
- Orientation (with feature vs with map)
Design layout
- Heirarchical
- Categorical
- Temporal
- Spatial
- Alphabetical
- Linear Parallel Blended
- Visual center
- Golden ratio
http://downloads.esri.com/MappingCenter2007/arcGISResources/more/MapEvaluationGuidelines.pdf
http://esri.com/arcgis-blog
http://carto.maps.arcgis.com
http://cartonerd.com
http://adventuresinmapping.com
http://mapdesign.icaci.org