Thematic Map DesignThematic Map: Map that represents a particular theme or topic.Population Density, Literacy Rate, Temperature, etc. >>A limited set of features is represented in order to focus attention on the thematic symbols symbols that represent the maps theme.

Map Design: Process in which maps are conceived and created.Driven by the needs of the map user.Primary Goal: Creation of simple, clear maps that effectively communicate geographic information.Involves the appropriate selection and implementation of Map Elements the building blocks of map making.

Map Elements

Map Elements(Listed in the order of placement)Frame LineDefines the initial available spaceMapped AreaThe geographic region being representedTitle & SubtitleTitle describes the maps theme;Subtitle further explains the titleLegendDefines thematic symbolsData SourceDescribes origin of thematic dataScaleIndicates amount of reduction, or allows the map user to take measurementsNorth ArrowIndicates direction

General RulesMore important map elements should stand out; less important elements should not attract as much attention.

2.Overall design should be well-balanced. >>1. Mapped Area (Them. Symb.)2. Title, Subtitle3. Legend4. Data Source5. Scale6. North Arrow7. Frame LineGeneral Order of ImportanceNot to be confused with the order of placementlisted on the previous slide

Frame Line1.Should always be used.2.A single, thin line should be used.Edge of pageFrame Line

Mapped Area1.Should always be used - it isnt a map without it!2.Should be as large as possible without being 'too close' to the frame line, and while leaving ample room for other map elements. >>3.Should be horizontally (side-to-side) and vertically (top-to-bottom) centered within the available space, as defined by the frame line.

Title1.Should always be used.2.Should express the maps theme, preferably at the beginning. >>3.Should normally be the largest type on a map.4.Should be set in Title Case. >>5.Should be succinct - unnecessary words should be omitted. >>6.Abbreviations should be avoided.7.A legible type family should be used.

Title (continued)8.Should have a plain style (avoid bold and italic). >>9.Should be limited to one line.10.The word map should not appear.11.Should be horizontally (side-to-side) centered within the frame line if possible.12. Should be placed toward the top of the map if possible, vertically (top-to-bottom) centered between the mapped area and the frame line.

Subtitle1.Usually contains the date and/or geographic region. >>2.Should be visibly smaller than the title (at least 2 points smaller).3. Should be set in Title Case.4.Should employ the same typeface (type family and type style) as the title.5.Should be limited to one line.6.Should be horizontally centered with the title. >>7.Should be located directly below the title.

Legend1.Should always be used, unless the thematic symbols can be interpreted without it.2.Representative symbols should be placed on the left and defined on the right. >>3.Should be large enough to be used easily, but should not occupy vast areas of space. >4.Legend definitions should employ the same type family as the title.5.Should be horizontally and vertically centered within the available space.

Legend Heading1.Normally contains the unit of measure and/or enumeration unit (country, state, etc.)2.Should be smaller than the subtitle.3. Should be set in Title Case.4.Should employ the same typeface (type family and type style) as the title.5.Multiple lines of type should be horizontally centered with one another. >>6.The word Legend should not appear.

Legend Heading(continued)7.Should be horizontally centered with the legend. >>8.Should be placed directly above the legend.

Data Source1.Should always be used.2.Contains the source of thematic data. Similar to a bibliographic reference, but is usually less formal. >>3.Should be among the smallest type on a map.4. Should be set in Title Case.5.Should have the same typeface (type family and type style) as the title.6.Multiple lines of type should be horizontally centered with one another.

Data Source(continued)7.The word Source: should appear at the beginning.8.Should be horizontally centered with the legend.9.Should be located directly below the legend.

Scale(Representative Fraction)1.A scale should be used in most cases. >>2.Type should be among the smallest on a map.3.Should have the same typeface (type family and type style) as the title.4.Should be horizontally and vertically centered within the available space, below the mapped area if possible.

Scale(Bar Scale)In addition to the previous rules:1.A bar scale is preferred to a representative fraction on most thematic maps.2.The maximum distance of a bar scale should be round and easy to work with. >>3.Bulky, complex bar scale designs should be avoided in favor of subtle, simple designs.4.Bar scales should not have excessive height.5.The bar scale should be long enough (wide enough) to be useful, but not so long as to be cumbersome. >>

North Arrow1.Should only be used if the map is not oriented with north at the top, or if the map will be used for navigation, surveying, orienteering, etc.2.Bulky and complex designs should be avoided in favor or subtle, simple designs. >>3.Should be relatively small.Go to Slide 18

Back to previous Slide 1

The End

Mapped Area1.Should always be used - it isnt a map without it!2.Should be as large as possible without being 'too close' to the frame line, and while leaving ample room for other map elements.3.Should be horizontally (side-to-side) and vertically (top-to-bottom) centered within the available space, as defined by the frame line.Back to Slide 5

Title1.Should always be used.2.Should express the maps theme, preferably at the beginning.3.Should normally be the largest type on a map.4.Should be set in Title Case.5.Should be succinct - unnecessary words should be omitted.6.Abbreviations should be avoided.7.A legible type family should be used.Back to Slide21

Title (continued)8.Should have a plain style (avoid bold and italic).9.Should be limited to one line.10.The word map should not appear.11.Should be horizontally (side-to-side) centered within the frame line if possible.12. Should be placed toward the top of the map if possible, vertically (top-to-bottom) centered between the mapped area and the frame line. Back to Slide 6 Back to Slide7

Subtitle1.Usually contains the date and/or geographic region.2.Should be visibly smaller than the title (at least 2 points smaller).3. Should be set in Title Case.4.Should employ the same typeface (type family and type style) as the title.5.Should be limited to one line.6.Should be horizontally centered with the title.7.Should be located directly below the title.

Back to Slide 8

Subtitle1.Usually contains the date and/or geographic region.2.Should be visibly smaller than the title (at least 2 points smaller).3. Should be set in Title Case.4.Should employ the same typeface (type family and type style) as the title.5.Should be limited to one line.6.Should be horizontally centered with the title.7.Should be located directly below the title.

Back to Slide 8

Legend1.Should always be used, unless the thematic symbols can be interpreted without it.2.Representative symbols should be placed on the left and defined on the right.3.Should be large enough to be used easily, but should not occupy vast areas of space.4.Legend definitions should employ the same type family as the title.5.Should be horizontally and vertically centered within the available space.Back to Slide 9

Legend1.Should always be used, unless the thematic symbols can be interpreted without it.2.Representative symbols should be placed on the left and defined on the right.3.Should be large enough to be used easily, but should not occupy vast areas of space.4.Legend definitions should employ the same type family as the title.5.Should be horizontally and vertically centered within the available space.Back to Slide 9

Legend Heading(continued)7.Should be horizontally centered with the legend.8.Should be placed directly above the legend.Back to Slide 11

Scale(Bar Scale)In addition to the previous rules:1.A bar scale is preferred to a representative fraction on most thematic maps.2.The maximum distance of a bar scale should be round and easy to work with.3.Bulky, complex bar scale designs should be avoided in favor of subtle, simple designs.4.Bar scales should not have excessive height.5.The bar scale should be long enough (wide enough) to be useful, but not so long as to be cumbersome.

Back to Slide 15

Data Source1.Should always be used.2.Contains the source of thematic data. Similar to a bibliographic reference, but is usually less formal. 3.Should be among the smallest type on a map.4. Should be set in Title Case. 5.Should have the same typeface (type family and type style) as the title.6.Multiple lines of type should be horizontally centered with one another.Back to Slide 12

Scale(Representative Fraction)1.A scale should be used in most cases.2.Type should be among the smallest on a map.3.Should have the same typeface (type family and type style) as the title.4.Should be horizontally and vertically centered within the available space, below the mapped area if possible.Back to Slide 14

Scale(Bar Scale)In addition to the previous rules:1.A bar scale is preferred to a representative fraction on most thematic maps.2.The maximum distance of a bar scale should be round and easy to work with.3.Bulky, complex bar scale designs should be avoided in favor of subtle, simple designs.4.Bar scales should not have excessive height.5.The bar scale should be long enough (wide enough) to be useful, but not so long as to be cumbersome.

Back to Slide 15

North Arrow1.Should only be used if the map is not oriented with north at the top, or if the map will be used for navigation, surveying, orienteering, etc.2.Bulky and complex designs should be avoided in favor of subtle, simple designs.3.Should be relatively small.Back to Slide 16

Title1.Should always be used.2.Should express the maps theme, preferably at the beginning.3.Should normally be the largest type on a map.4.Should be set in Title Case.5.Should be succinct - unnecessary words should be omitted.6.Abbreviations should be avoided.7.A legible type family should be used.Back to Slide 6

General RulesMore important map elements should stand out; less important elements should not attract as much attention.

2.Overall design should be well-balanced.General Order of ImportanceNot to be confused with the order of placementlisted on the previous slide1. Mapped Area (Them. Symb.)2. Title, Subtitle3. Legend4. Data Source5. Scale6. North Arrow7. Frame LineBack to Slide 3

Legend Heading1.Normally contains the unit of measure and/or enumeration unit (country, state, etc.)2.Should be smaller than the subtitle.3. Should be set in Title Case.4.Should employ the same typeface (type family and type style) as the title.5.Multiple lines of type should be horizontally centered with one another.6.The word Legend should not appear.Back to Slide10

Title1.Should always be used.2.Should express the maps theme, preferably at the beginning.3.Should normally be the largest type on a map.4.Should be set in Title Case.5.Should be succinct - unnecessary words should be omitted.6.Abbreviations should be avoided.7.A legible type family should be used.Back to Slide 6