Map design
Topic: Maps and Map Scale · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 1 "Introduction to Maps"; Class 12, Ch 3 "Graphical Representation of Data"
Meaning
Map design means planning how a map looks so that it is easy to read. The map maker chooses the symbols, and their size and shape. They also choose the lettering style, line widths, colours and shades. Design also means placing the title, legend, scale and north arrow on the sheet. Good design helps the reader understand the map at a glance. Design is the fourth of the five essentials of map making, after scale, projection and generalisation.
Example
On a Survey of India topographical map, rivers and other water bodies are shown in blue. Contours (lines joining places of the same height) are shown in brown. The legend is placed at the bottom of the sheet. These choices are all map design.
Don't confuse with
- Map generalisation: generalisation decides what to show and how much to simplify it. Design decides how to show it.