Designing Maps - ArcGIS
(copied from Learning ArcGIS9 Virtual Campus course)
An effective map communicates a clear message to its intended audience. In a well designed map, all the elements work together as a visually balanced composition that emphasizes and supports the map's main purpose. In ArcGIS, you design a map by creating a layout in ArcMap.
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Visually, the map body should be the most prominent element on the map. |
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The main elements of a map are the map body, legend, title, scale, north arrow, and the inset map. Maps can also contain other elements such as graticules, text boxes, charts, graphics, and images. |
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You can modify the properties of all the elements in a layout to suit your needs. ArcMap gives you tools to organize and arrange the elements so that a map is easy to read. |
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To increase the information conveyed by a map and to make a map more readable, you can adjust layer transparency, convert labels to annotation, and add a reference system. |
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To improve a map's visual balance, you can add graphic elements such as borders and text boxes. |
Review questions
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What are some questions you should ask before creating a map?
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When is a map template especially useful?
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What are some of the tools used to organize and arrange elements in a layout?
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Some of the questions you should ask before creating a map are: Who is the intended audience? What is the purpose of the map? How will the map be used?
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Using a template is a good idea when several or many maps need to have a consistent look.
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Rulers, guides, and the alignment and grouping tools can be used to arrange the elements in a layout.
Key terms
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