38
MaP Design
inset Maps
An inset map is a small map used in conjunction with the main map and within the
frame of the main map. Insets may be used to clarify, to gain scale, to enlarge or
focus on a small section of the map, or to provide a setting for an area presumed to
be unfamiliar to the reader. Inset maps can be quite helpful in solving difficult design
and layout problems, but should not be overused (see Figure 2.24). Too many insets
create a choppy, cluttered appearance and the design will not appear unified.
Some areas have irregular shapes that don’t fit easily into a given format. Alaska
is one such place. If the entire state of Alaska including the Aleutians is placed on a
page in “portrait” format, the map is very tiny and it is difficult to show data; if an
inset of the Aleutians is used, then the map can be larger. If the inset map is at a dif-
ferent scale than the main map, scales must be placed on both map and inset to avoid
confusion about size.
Inset maps of Alaska and Hawaii are frequently used on maps showing the 50
United States. This sometimes creates a problem for children, who come to believe
that Alaska and Hawaii are located to the south of the 48 contiguous states and that
Alaska is an island. This problem can be solved by using an inset of North America
and the Pacific with those two states highlighted. This type of inset is also used for
any area that might be considered unfamiliar to the viewer (Figure 2.25).
In Figure 2.26 the detail of the center area cannot be distinguished; if the map
is made large enough to show the detail area, it will no longer fit the format; if only
the circled area is shown, the reader has no anchor for orientation. One solution is to
enlarge the area and present it as an inset.
