The visual thinking/visual communication curve referred to as "swoopy" - DiBiase (1990)

Refers to the steps for designing maps;

1. Define meaning & purpose of the map

• Understand the user requirements
• Determine details to be communicated
• Decide on best to communicate the ideas
• Create a narrative for the map

2. Choose a suitable scale

• Map scale continuum - large scale to a small scale
1. Large scale 1:0 upto 1:600,000
2. Medium scale 1:600,001 upto 1:2,000,000
3. Small scale 1:2,000,001 upto infinity
• Amount of detail mapped depends on scale
• It's an important decision to most cartographers

3. Determine the map format, printing limitations, & economics of reproduction of the map product

• What kind of a map?
• What type of a map?
• How will the map be displayed?
• How much will it cost to create the map?

4. Data preparation - by abstraction and generalisation

• Only potentially important information is important
• Cartographers select & organize information necessary to communicate concept to map reader
• Cartographers reduce the amount of detail on a map to create a simple visual image

5. Design the map layout

• Carefully consider the placement and design of the 12 map elements
• Consider the scale, size, and shape of the primary object being mapped

Queries about this Lesson, please send them to: jmwaura.uni@gmail.com

*References*

• Mapping, Society, and Technology, Steven Manson
• Web Cartography, Map Design for Interactive and Mobile Devices, Ian Muehlenhaus
• Web Cartography, Menno-Jan Kraak and Allan Brown, ITC
• Cartography, Thematic Map Design, Borden D. Dent
• GIS Cartography, A Guide to Effective Map Design, Gretchen N. Peterson
• Thematic Cartography and Geovisualization, Terry A. Slocum et.al