All Good Static Maps

To create a successful title, follow these tips:

• Use a large, legible font. The title is usually the largest font size on the map, but take care to not dominate or cover up map content or text.
• Place the title in an easily identifiable place. The title is often on the top part of a page, but does not need to be.
• Include descriptive text and language to identify both the location and purpose of the map.
• Titles may be included in a figure caption instead of on the map for some published materials, like books and articles.

The scale of the map is typically indicated by a graphic bar scale, a representative fraction, or a verbal scale. The reader must be able to determine the relationship between a unit of measure on the map and a unit of measure in the real world. A graphic bar scale is generally the most easily understood option.

For small scale (global) maps where the scale varies across the map, it is better to indicate scale by showing lines of latitude and longitude or by use of a variable scale indicator.

A map layout should indicate which was is north. Common orientation indicators include:

• North arrow.
• Compass rose.
• Lines of latitude and longitude.

If the top of the page is not north for a map, then an orientation indicator is required. Orientation indicators are sometimes excluded if the study area of the map is clearly pointing north to the top of the page.

Every map layout will have multiple border lines included, which are sometimes referred to as a neatline. Neatlines also include borders of elements on the map layout, but they may not necessarily be the border of a map or the entire page.

A map border identifies where the mapped area stops. A map border (or any neatline) should:

• Be on or close to the edges of the mapped area.
• Have balance. The distance between the mapped area and the map border should be the same on all sides.

A page border surrounds the entire map layout. A map border should:

• Enclose and group all of the map elements on the layout page.
• Have balance. The distance between the edges of the mapped area and/or mapped elements and page map border should be the same on all sides.

A legend defines the symbols or colors used on the map. If the symbology is common or explained elsewhere on the map layout, then a legend may not be required on the map. If a legend is included, it should:

• Clearly identify what each symbol represents that is not easily understood by the audience.
• Include any necessary measurement units.
• Either have no title or a title that adds context to the map - legends should not be titled "Legend."

Typically, a legend becomes more necessary when map symbology increases in complexity.

Every map layout needs map credits. This is NOT optional. Map credits include:

• Data source citations.
• Cartographer name.
• Date of map creation. This can be general (EX: month and year).

Some cartographers include the projection of the map they are using, which is an optional add-on to the map credits.

A locator map is needed if the map area is not easily recognizable by the audience. A locator map should:

• Have simpler symbology and less detail than the main map.
• Indicate where the main map is located using an extent indicator, label, layer, or something similar.
• Match the style and theme of the main map.

An inset map can be used to provide more details that do not fit on the main map. An inset map should:

• Be at a larger scale than the main map.
• Show a subset area of the main map.
• Have more detail than the main map.
• Match the style and theme of the main map.

Sometimes, a locator or inset map is not necessary for a map layout. Each map layout requires different elements, so evaluate your study area with the audience in mind.

Layout balance refers to the planning and decision making processes involved in the visual display of the spatial data. You can achieve balance by rearranging the size, shape and location of the map elements. Aspects of layout balance include:

• Symmetrically balancing the map layout and map (avoid crowding or large blank areas).
• Elements are neat and clear.
• Unnecessary elements and clutter are excluded. Be wary of cluttering the map for the sake of including 'artistic' details.

A hierarchy of symbology should be used for the lettering, line weights and shading. More important features are typically larger and/or darker. Less important/background information should be smaller and/or lighter. Take care to not overly exaggerate or minimize features.

All maps have a purpose! This purpose should influence every element of the map and map layout. A cartographer should be able to clearly articulate the purpose of their map and should keep the audience of the map in mind.