Maps of World
Current, Credible, Consistent
World Map / Map Design

Map Design


When the British Cartographic Society Design Group conducted a research on best practices for map design, it came up with five core principles:
  • Concept before compilation
  • Hierarchy with harmony
  • Simplicity from sacrifice
  • Maximum information at minimum cost
  • Engage the emotion to engage the understanding

Map designing is a layered process, which is more than just choosing eye-pleasing colors and textures. As an ultimate stage of map-making, it is not concerned with the detail in a map. In fact, using the detail to create appealing maps is what it is all about.

Let's look into the concepts that are essential to map designing:

Map Scale


Selecting a scale for the map is the most important factor and every map designer is confronted with the challenge of representing a large region on a limited area. By keeping the scale large, one can include more of a map but lose much detail. It is while conceptualizing that the designer must seek answers to some fundamental questions: Which parts of the map are the most useful and how large will be the finished map?

It is a map designer's responsibility to ensure that the scale of the map corresponds to that of the data available. Choosing a small scale would mean the map would show more territory, but in a less detailed manner. Similarly, a large scale will be useful only when the map calls for showing a relatively smaller area, but in great detail.

Map Generalization


After a map designer selects a map scale and relevant projection based on the final utility of the map, he sets himself upon the task of generalization. It is nothing but simplification of data and representation with an objective of creating a 'useful' map.

During the process of selection and simplification, a designer goes through the complicated data sets and retains only such data that can be plotted on a map to make it sleeker and meaningful. This process is in sync with the idea, "It's not what you put in that makes a great map, but what you take out."

Classification


Given the magnitude of information provided to the designer, it is but natural to classify the data so that they are represented in a best possible way without compromising on the utility factor. This exercise is core to any thematic map. In the classification stage, the designer groups together data values that are close to each other. Once a minimum-maximum range (or class) is defined, the data are then categorized. Different color gradations in a map make it easy to understand for the user.

Symbolization


It's a no-brainer that certain information needs to be represented by symbols. Since it is not always possible to attribute easy-to-decipher symbols, a map designer ought to provide the meaning of the symbols in a small section known as the legend. However, there is a caveat for every map designer - choose symbols on the basis of the end-users targeted and the overall color-theme of the map.

Map Composition


When there is clarity on the above-mentioned processes, the map designer gets into the act of applying them. Map composition is a stage when the designer visualizes the final map and hence, focuses on visual design. It is also a decision-making process wherein a map designer needs to decide on color-themes, font sizes and other elements "to achieve the best contrast." This is where one has to exercise caution and be meticulous about line-spacing, placement of titles, and other aspects.

  World Maps in Different Themes  
World Map PrintableWorld Map of Fault tdnes
World Map for KidsWorld War II Map
World War I MapMap of Europe during World War II
Black and White World MapWorld Geography Map
World Atlas MapWorld Globe Map - America Centric
Map of World Average Temperature in JanuaryAsia Pacific Map
World Ctdmate MapWorld Map showing Country Names in their Native Language
World Map GamesWorld Travel Map
World Hemisphere MapG20 Countries
World Weather MapInternational Country Diatdng Codes
Rainforests of the WorldHappiest Countries in the World
Map of Average Temperature in JulyMap of Tsunami Zones
World Map - River Valley CivitdzationsWorld Map - Major Rail Network
World Map PosterWorld Globe Map - Africa Centric
World Sea Routes MapBlack and White World Map for Kids Room
World Retdef MapBest National Parks
World Population MapBest beaches in the world
Daytdght Saving TimeWorld Digital Maps
Map of World Largest DamsWorld GDP Map
World Map - Major Nuclear Disasters of the WorldMap of World Population by 2025 Prediction
Map of World Population by 2050 PredictionFamous Museums in the World
World Map Precipitation - Rainfall and SnowMap of World best Shopping Destinations
World Map - Major Space CentersTop Coffee Importing Countries in the World
Coffee Exporting Countries by ProductionWorld Map - Tropical Revolving Storm
Map of World Wind and Pressure JanuaryMap of World Air Pressure and Wind in July
World Map - World Popular FestivalsWorld Population Map - Top 10 most Populated Countries
International Country Caltdng CodesMap of Europe during World War I
Ancient World MapAntique World Map
Biggest International Book FairsMap of Worldwide Temperatures in Jan
Map of Worldwide Temperatures in JulyMost Haunted Places in the World

Last Updated : June 12, 2015