Maps

There are many styles of map though their main function is to convey information. Therefore when designing maps, the most important thing is to identify and emphasise the information the map is trying to convey.

Map design

Here are a few suggestions to help make your map design more accessible:

• A map design can be generalised. If drawn accurately, maps can become detailed, cluttered and complicated to see; for example, including every crag and inlet when drawing a coastline will result in a line that may be hard to follow and appear dense where there is a lot of detail. Any areas on a map that are dense will imply that it is highlighting something important.
• Generalising a map design will enhance the important information the map is trying to show, for example, a generalised coastal line will not distract from other more important features of the map.
• Generalising maps is a balance of design: avoid over generalising map features as they may then become unrecognisable.
• Lines can be used to create a hierarchy of importance, for example, thick lines are used to mark national borders; thinner lines used to mark out counties. Dotted and dashed lines can also be used to help mark out important features. There is no set convention for this, though it is important that whichever line style you decide to use, it is used consistently across that map.

Using textures

• Choose textures carefully: features can be read as more important if filled with heavy, dense textures. In comparison, features filled with lighter textures can seem less important.
• Check the importance of an area before filling it with a texture or colour so that important areas stand out effectively. Large areas of a map filled with a dark colour or heavy texture will appear dominating, whilst pale colour or texture will appear less dominating.
• If using textures be careful to avoid creating visual effects that are uncomfortable to see.

Labelling maps

• When labelling a map, ensure that labels are placed horizontally as these will be easier to read and find.
• If using text with an accompanying dot, for example the name of a town and a dot pinpointing its location, aim to keep this layout consistent across the map. An example would be if a dot has been placed to the bottom left of the name of the town, ensure all towns have their markers at the bottom left if space allows. If space is tight in some areas, place the dot at the bottom right of the town name.
• If space for labelling is tight, abbreviations can be used instead. Ensure abbreviations are intuitive and provide a key.
• Avoid placing labels directly over a texture. If labels need to be placed over a texture, ensure there is enough white space around the label, so that the text stands out and is clear and easy to read.

If necessary, include a description of the map and its information in any accompanying text to enable those who cannot see the map, access the information.

If you need to make an existing map accessible, avoid photocopying if possible. This can result in an image with poor colour contrast and poor quality text, which can be difficult to see if placed on a CCTV or magnifier.