34
MaP Design
cally; as a bar or linear scale; as a verbal statement such as “1 inch represents 1 mile”;
or as a fraction, such as 1:62,500. It is the graphic scale that most often causes design
problems. First, one must remember that the scale is an aid to the reader, not the focus
of the map. The scale serves one of two purposes: dimensionality or measurement.
On a world thematic map, the scale indicates general size because the reader does not
need to make precise measurements; on a large-scale map the reader might want to
fIgURe 2.17.
Symbols must look the same in the legend and the text or the map is confusing
for the reader.
30-32
33-35
36-41
over 41
Income in $1000s
Per
Capita Income
2007
30-32
33-35
36-41
over 41
LEGEND
Per
Capita Income in Thousands
Western States, 2007
fIgURe 2.18.
The word “legend” serves no purpose on the map on the right and it is better
to replace it with a descriptive title.
Map Design 35
know exact distances. Some computer software has a default scale that overwhelms
the map and is the first thing the reader notices (Figure 2.19). The scale should be
long enough to make necessary readings, but a 4-inch-long scale on a 6-inch map
is overkill. Second, the scale should not be ornate. Ornate scales embellished with
dividers were popular on 18th-century maps, but these maps also contained pictures
of mermaids, sea serpents, and ships. Unless you are trying to imitate the feel of an
old map, all such embellishments should be avoided. Figure 2.20 shows examples of
acceptable scales.
The scale may be included in the legend area or it may be separate. As with title
and legend, the scale is placed for balance and clarity.
Orientation
Orientation refers to showing direction, most commonly done by drawing the grati-
cule (lines of longitude and latitude) or with a north arrow. Although it is a common
custom, north does not have to be at the top of the map, and, in fact, sometimes can-
not be. North has not always been at the top. European
mappae mundi (world maps)
placed the Orient (east) at the top and hence we have the term “to orient” the map.
Early Chinese maps placed south at the top. The guideline now is that if there is no
other indication, such as the graticule, north is assumed to be at the top and if it is
not there must be some indication of orientation.
North arrows are a quick and easy way of indicating direction, but they must be
used with caution. North arrows are not appropriate on all maps. For a small area
like a city or neighborhood, they can be useful aids, but for maps of the world or
large regions they may not be suitable. If the meridians on a map (true north–south
lines) are curved or radiate, the north arrow is only correct for one point or along
Tennessee
The
Volunteer State
Illinois
Missouri
Kentucky
Virginia
West
Virginia
North
Carolina
South
Carolina
Georgia
Alabama
Mississippi
Memphis
Jackson
Clarksville
Nashville-Davidson
Murfreesboro
Chattanooga
Knoxville
Kingsport
Miles
0
100
200
300
400
