Cartographic principles

Maps are there to answer questions. They should offer solutions to questions like “Where can I find…?”, “How do I get to…?”, “What feature can be found at…?”, or “Where else do I find that feature?” Maps have to be well designed to be able indeed to answer questions like those above. If the translation from data to graphics is successful the resulting maps are the most efficient and effective means of transferring geospatial information. The map user can locate geographic objects, while the shape and colour of signs and symbols representing the objects inform him about their characteristics. They reveal spatial relations and patterns, and offer the user insight in and an overview of the distribution of particular phenomena. Many illustrations in this book demonstrate an important quality of maps: their ability to offer an abstraction of reality. They simplify by selection, but at the same time they put, when well designed, the remaining information in a clear perspective. The interactive web environment adds another dimension to making maps, which can be experienced at the accompanying website (URL 5.1). Designing maps for this environment is treated in Chapter 7.