52
MaP Design
thin strokes; serifs are straight. Some writers include a transitional category between
Oldstyle and Modern.
Sans serif faces, as the name implies, lack serifs. The letters may be all one thick-
ness or there may be some variation of thick and thin strokes (Figure 3.13).
The special faces are grouped together here because they are only rarely used on
maps. When they are used, it is usually to produce some special effect. In this cat-
egory
are found black letter styles, slab serif styles, and display faces (Figure 3.14).
choosing type
The major concerns when choosing a typeface are legibility, perceptibility, harmony,
cost,
convenience, and
suitability for reproduction, and transferability or compat-
ibility for online maps.
Type
as a symbol
The variations in size, form, spacing, orientation, value, and color of type makes it
useful as a symbol in establishing visual and conceptual hierarchies and differences
g
Bowl
Loop
T
Serifs
