Map Elements, Cartography, Text, Annotation, Labels and Graphics
Lecture 6 Map Elements, Cartography, Text, Annotation, Labels and
MAP DESIGN: PART II Outline z What is a good map? z Things to think about when making a map z Design Process z Map Elements z Labels z Annotation z Text and Graphics z Final Comments What is a good map? z “Maps are a representation, normally to scale and on a flat medium, of a selection of material or abstract features on, or in relation to, the surface of the Earth” (International Cartographic Association) z A good map is a map that is able to convey information to its readers in an attempt to enlighten, convince, or persuade. What is a good map? Things to think about when making a map… z What is the motive or goal of the map? z Who will read the map? z Where will the map be used? z What data is available for the composition of the map? z What resources are available in terms of time and equipment? Design Process
1. Identify the problem to present 2. Identify the purpose of the map (i.e., who will be reading your map?) 3. Formulate your preliminary ideas (what type of map will you use, how big, what colors, what data, etc.) 4. Perform your analysis and implement your map 5. Get feedback and make corrections to your map, it is a dynamic process. Map Elements Map Elements z Map elements found on virtually all good maps: • Title • Scale or Distance (Scale bar)
• Direction (Either a north arrow or a graticule) • Legend • Sources of information and how data was processed Map Elements z Map elements that are sensitive to context: • Title: Text in legend or labels may give information that you can remove from the title. Careful with publications! • Projection: Some projections are implicit with the coordinate system (Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinate System) • Cartographer: May be the name of a person or corporate identity. • Date of Production: May vary if map is continually reproduced. Map Elements
North arrow not appropriate.
Use orientation with a grid (or graticule)
North arrow appropriate. Map Elements
Elements that are used selectively to assist effective communication: • Neatlines • Inset maps
Always remember that in most instances less is more! Design Choices Always strive for clarity and avoid garish colors, clutter, and confusion.
Default Format Same map better format! Things to remember…. z Visually balance your map z Limit colors and shades z Avoid texture vibration z Know your viewing distance z Create specialized symbol styles z Use layer files z Use bookmarks Page and Print Setup z When designing a layout, always decide on and set the page size FIRST! z Go to File….Page and Print Setup. z See PAGE SIZES handout for standard dimensions. Adding Map Elements z In the Layout View: • Go to Insert…. Templates z Create your own template OR z Use existing map templates • Select template when opening ArcMap OR • Go to “Change Layout” button and select template. z .mxt extension Dynamic Labels z Based on layer attributes z Complete control over properties – color, size, etc. z Limited control over placement z Importance of setting scale dependence – faster rendering. Label Properties Annotation z Two types of Annotation: • Database (i.e. based in a geodatabase) • Map Annotation z Complete control over all properties and placement. z Can generate new or import from Labels. • Label features, then right- click Æ Convert Labels to Annotation. z More challenging to create and manage. Text and Graphics z Quick way to place features (points, lines or polygons) or text on the map. z NOT linked to data – stored in the map document. z If you want the text or graphics to stay overlaid with your data layers, always add to the data view! z Only add to layout view when inserting map layout elements such as title and north arrow. Text and Graphics z Tools available on Draw toolbar. z Use ‘Select Elements’ tool. • Select by dragging a box or clicking individually (Shift key to add elements) • Access ‘Element Properties’ for size, color, etc. z Go to Drawing menu to organize elements and set default symbol properties Tips and Tricks z Focus Data Frame Button z 1:1 Button – Zoom to 100% of layout z Place Tools and Layout toolbars in different locations. z Keep all layout objects in inside the printer margins. z Export to Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator for enhanced presentation.