fIgURe 7.11.
This map represents a volume, amount of rainfall, although the data are col-
lected at points and represented by lines.
144 sYMBOLizaTiOn
Certain conventions in symbols are firmly established. An especially strong con-
vention is the use of blue for water, although some water features actually appear
green or brown. There is no rule, other than common usage, that requires these
conventions to be followed, but readers sometimes object or are confused if the con-
ventions are not observed. The cartographer should follow established conventions
unless there is good reason to depart from them. Cartographic design and symbolism
would stagnate without innovation, but the meaning of symbols should always be
clear, especially if unconventional marks are used. Conventions will be discussed in
the context of specific symbol types.
If more than one type of symbol is used on a map to distinguish between cat-
egories, to illustrate a relationship between two or more distributions, or merely to
display base map and thematic information, it is important that the symbols chosen
be compatible. They must be clearly distinguished from one another, they must not
interfere with the recognition of the complete pattern, and they must not overlap one
another to the point of elimination. The symbols must also be compatible with any
background colors or tones or they will be undecipherable (Figure 7.12).
For the meaning of symbols to be clear and unambiguous for the reader, the sym-
bols must be identified in a legend. Any symbol used on the map must be explained in
the legend unless its meaning is so obvious that no confusion could result. As noted
in Chapter 2, the appearance of the symbol on the map and in the legend must be
identical or the map will be confusing to the reader.
The next chapter treats the symbolization of various types of geographical phe-
nomena and provides more detailed guidelines on the selection, use, and design of
specific symbols.
fIgURe 7.12.
Symbols must be compatible with the background. Here it is difficult to distin-
guish the symbols against the dark tone.
Basics of symbolization 145
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