Module 3: Cartographic Design

 Module 3: Cartographic Design 

What is left out of a map is just as important, if not more, than what is included. This week we revisited many of the principles first introduced in Module 1. Before designing a map it is important to consider who the intended user is going to be and how they will be using the map. 

Gestalt Design Principles

This week's lab assignment was to implement Gestalts design principles:

1. Visual Hierarchy

I sought to emphasize the most important features by using a large font. The title has the largest and boldest font, followed by the subtitle, and then by the legend title. The rest of the features ( legend text, neighborhoods, inset map title, data source and cartographer) are in smaller, but still legible text. 

2. Contrast

I designated Ward 7 as a light grey and the greater DC area as a darker grey. THe most difficult part about accomplishing contrast is that a color can only be used one on a map. The legend is purplish grey because any other color I tried as a background was either garish, already in use on the map, or did not adequately show the symbols being represented. The Major Streets and Ward 7 patches were particularly challenging to show because of their light color. 

3. Figure-ground

The Ward 7 area is a lighter color to make it appear closer to the user. The DC area is rendered in a slightly darker grey. The streets are rendered in white to make them appear further away than they would if there were done in a more traditional grey or black. This makes them visible in the background without becoming distracting. I also used a relatively thick outline for the symbols representing the school to make them stand out from the background and appear closer to the user. 

4. Balance

Looking at the Ward 7 Public Schools map, the focus of the map is the Ward 7 area (light grey) on the right. This is balanced against the supporting elements of legend and inset map on the left. The way elements are arranged allows the eye to flow freely back and forth from the map to it supporting information. The essential elements North arrow, scale bar, cartographer, and data source are organized across the bottom providing even, though minimal, visual weight across the bottom. 

Tools Used:

Clip, Annotation, Transparency, Labeling, Attributes, Geoprocessing