The Spatial Space

what is cartography?

Cartography is the art, science, and technology of creating maps. It involves the design, production, and interpretation of maps, charts, and other spatial representations of geographic information. Cartography combines elements of geography, graphic design, and data visualisation to represent spatial relationships, patterns, and information in a visual format.

Cartographers use various techniques and tools to create maps that convey information accurately and effectively. They gather geographic data from different sources, such as surveys, satellite imagery, and remote sensing, and transform it into map form. The process typically involves selecting appropriate symbols, colours, and visual elements to represent different features, such as landforms, roads, buildings, and thematic data.

Cartography encompasses both traditional and digital mapping methods. Traditional cartography involves manual techniques like drawing and drafting, while digital cartography utilises computer software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create, analyse, and publish maps. With digital mapping, cartographers can incorporate interactive elements, integrate multiple layers of information, and enable users to interact with the maps in various ways.

Cartography plays a crucial role in a wide range of fields and applications, including navigation, urban planning, environmental management, geology, transportation, and many others. It helps people understand and visualise spatial patterns, make informed decisions, and communicate information effectively. With advances in technology, cartography has evolved to include web mapping, 3D visualisation, and interactive mapping applications, opening up new possibilities for data exploration and analysis.

what are cartographic principles?

Cartographic principles are a set of guidelines and best practices that govern the design and creation of maps. These principles ensure that maps effectively communicate spatial information, are visually appealing, and provide accurate representations of the geographic features being depicted. Here are some key cartographic principles:

1. Simplification: Maps should simplify complex geographic information to make it easily understandable. This involves generalising and removing unnecessary details without compromising the integrity of the data being represented.
2. Generalisation: Cartographers must generalise data to fit the scale and purpose of the map. This process involves selecting and representing essential features while omitting or reducing less important details.
3. Symbolisation: The selection and use of appropriate symbols is crucial for conveying information on a map. Symbols should be easily distinguishable, visually clear, and intuitive to understand.
4. Hierarchy: Maps should use visual hierarchy to emphasise important elements and relationships. This involves using different sizes, colors, and styles to distinguish between different features, with more significant or prominent features given greater visual prominence.
5. Legibility: Maps should be easy to read and interpret. The use of clear and readable fonts, appropriate label placement, and sufficient contrast between text and background colors are important considerations for legibility.
6. Scale and Proportion: Maps need to accurately represent the relative sizes, distances, and proportions of geographic features. The choice of scale determines the level of detail and the extent of the area covered by the map.
7. Colour and Contrast: The use of colour is essential for conveying information on maps. Careful consideration of colour choices, such as using contrasting colours for different features or thematic data, helps ensure clarity and readability.
8. Consistency: Maps should maintain consistency in design elements, such as symbols, colors, fonts, and layout, throughout the map. This consistency promotes familiarity and helps users understand the map more easily.
9. Balance and Harmony: Maps should strive for visual balance and harmony, ensuring that different elements are distributed evenly and complement each other in terms of color, size, and placement.
10. User-Oriented Design: Cartographers should consider the needs and expectations of the map users. This involves designing maps that cater to the intended audience, considering their level of map-reading skills and specific requirements.

Think ‘MAPSIGHTS’

SiMplification, Accuracy, Proportion, Symbolisation, Legibility, Generalisation, Hierarchy, Typography, Scale

different map types and their uses

1. Choropleth Maps:
   • Use: Choropleth maps use different colors or shading patterns to represent data aggregated by predefined geographic areas, such as countries, states, or administrative regions.
   • Use Cases: Visualizing population density, income levels, election results, or any data that can be categorized and aggregated by regions.

1. Dot Density Maps:
   • Use: Dot density maps use dots to represent the density or quantity of a specific feature or phenomenon within a given area.
   • Use Cases: Displaying population distribution, wildlife habitats, or any data where individual occurrences can be represented as dots.
2. Heat Maps:
   • Use: Heat maps visualize data density or intensity using colors or gradients. They show areas of high and low values based on concentration or magnitude.
   • Use Cases: Representing crime rates, traffic congestion, customer footfall, or any data that exhibits concentration or intensity patterns.
3. Isopleth Maps:
   • Use: Isopleth maps use contour lines or continuous color gradations to represent values of a variable across a geographic area, connecting points of equal value.
   • Use Cases: Displaying elevation contours, temperature distribution, precipitation levels, or any data that exhibits continuous spatial patterns.
4. Cartograms:
   • Use: Cartograms distort the geographic area of regions to represent a specific attribute, such as population or economic indicators, by resizing them proportionally.
   • Use Cases: Visualizing population density, election results, or any data where the emphasis is on relative values rather than geographic accuracy.
5. Flow Maps:
   • Use: Flow maps depict the movement of people, goods, or information between locations using lines of varying width or intensity to represent the volume or magnitude of the flow.
   • Use Cases: Analyzing migration patterns, transportation networks, trade routes, or any data related to movement and connectivity.
6. Proportional Symbol Maps:
   • Use: Proportional symbol maps use symbols of different sizes to represent quantities or magnitudes of a variable in specific locations.
   • Use Cases: Showing population size, economic indicators, or any data where the emphasis is on the magnitude of the variable at specific points.

Common items in GIS software layout view

1. Title: A text element that provides a descriptive title for the map or layout.
2. Legend: Also known as a key, it explains the symbols, colors, and other graphical elements used on the map.
3. Scale Bar: A graphic element that represents the relationship between map distances and real-world distances, typically displayed in units of measurement.
4. North Arrow: A symbol or graphic element on the map that indicates the orientation of the map, typically pointing towards the North Pole.
5. Text Box: A text element used to add additional information, labels, or annotations to the map or layout.
6. Map Frame: The area within the layout where the map content is displayed, typically representing a specific extent of geographic data.
7. Insets: Smaller map frames or images that provide more detailed views of specific areas within the main map.
8. Data Frame: The container for geographic data within the map layout, including layers, symbology, and spatial reference information.
9. Scale Text: A text element that displays the current scale of the map or layout.
10. North Arrow Text: A text element that labels the North Arrow symbol, providing additional information or clarification.
11. Neatline: A border or outline around the map or layout, providing a visual boundary and enhancing the overall appearance.
12. Graphics: Tools and features for adding custom graphics, shapes, or annotations to the map or layout, such as rectangles, circles, arrows, or lines.
13. Layout Templates: Pre-designed layouts or templates that provide a starting point for creating a map layout, often with predefined arrangements of elements.
14. Export or Print Options: Tools and settings for exporting or printing the map layout, including options for resolution, paper size, file format, and print quality.
15. Grids and Graticules: Tools for adding coordinate grids, graticules, or reference systems to the map or layout, enhancing spatial reference and navigation.
16. Margins and Page Setup: Settings for adjusting the margins, page size, orientation, and other parameters related to the overall layout of the map.
17. Map Elements: A collection of various elements that can be added to the map or layout, such as images, logos, scale bars, legends, and text boxes.
18. Layout View: The view or mode within the GIS software that allows for the design, arrangement, and customization of the map layout.

map layout tips and ideas

1. Choose an Appropriate Color Scheme: Select a color scheme that is visually pleasing and effectively conveys the information on the map. Consider using color palettes that are harmonious and easily distinguishable for different map elements.
2. Pay Attention to Typography: Use clear and legible fonts for labels, titles, and other text elements. Ensure that the font sizes are appropriate for the map size and maintain consistency in font styles throughout the map.
3. Balance the Layout: Arrange map elements such as the title, legend, scale bar, and other key components in a balanced and visually pleasing manner. Avoid overcrowding or leaving large empty spaces. Use alignment and spacing techniques to create a well-organized layout.
4. Use Appropriate Symbolisation: Choose symbols and graphical elements that are appropriate for the type of data being represented. Use clear and recognisable symbols that effectively communicate the information without overwhelming the map.
5. Apply Visual Hierarchy: Use visual cues such as size, color, and font weight to establish a hierarchy of importance among map elements. Emphasize key features or data by making them more prominent, while de-emphasizing less important elements.
6. Employ Consistent Styling: Maintain a consistent style throughout the map, including symbols, colors, and line widths. Consistency helps create a visually cohesive and professional-looking map.
7. Limit the Use of Decorative Elements: Avoid excessive use of unnecessary decorative elements that distract from the main purpose of the map. Keep the focus on conveying information clearly and effectively.
8. Ensure Proper Label Placement: Place labels strategically to avoid overlapping or cluttering. Prioritize important labels and adjust their position to enhance readability and minimize confusion.
9. Consider the Scale: Adapt the level of detail and symbol size according to the map’s scale. Smaller-scale maps may require generalization and simplification, while larger-scale maps can accommodate more detailed information.
10. Test Print or Preview: Before finalising the map, print a test copy or preview it on different devices to ensure it looks as expected. Pay attention to colors, fonts, and overall clarity when viewing the map in different formats.

map layout

1. Title: Place the map title prominently at the top of the map layout. The title should be clear, concise, and descriptive.
2. North Arrow: Position the north arrow in a clear and unobstructed area, typically near the map’s margin or legend. It should be easily visible and indicate the orientation of the map, pointing towards the North Pole.
3. Legend: Place the legend in a location that is easily accessible and does not interfere with the main map content. It is often positioned towards the corner or margin of the map, preferably on the side where it doesn’t obscure important features.
4. Scale Bar: Position the scale bar in a prominent place, usually near the legend or at the bottom of the map. Ensure that it is clearly visible and large enough to be easily read.
5. Data Frame: The main map content, including geographic features and data, should be placed within the data frame. The data frame is typically centered on the map layout and occupies a significant portion of it.
6. Labels: Ensure that labels for geographic features, such as place names or landmarks, are clear and legible. Place labels near the corresponding features but be mindful of avoiding overcrowding or overlap.
7. Insets or Overviews: If using insets or overview maps to provide additional context or detail, position them strategically, typically in a corner or side of the map. Insets should be clearly labeled and differentiated from the main map.
8. Margins and Borders: Leave sufficient margins around the map to provide a clean and uncluttered appearance. Consider adding a neatline or border to visually separate the map from the surrounding space.
9. White Space: Incorporate ample white space within the layout to improve readability and overall aesthetics. White space helps reduce visual clutter and provides a sense of balance.
10. Alignment and Consistency: Ensure that all elements on the map are aligned and maintain a consistent visual style. Elements such as titles, labels, and legends should follow a uniform placement and design approach.

overall

Understanding cartography and its principles and utilising different map types to suit specific use cases will result in visually appealing and instantly understandable maps for your audience.