Creating effective maps in ArcGIS - Emmanuel Katto Uganda

[emmanuelkatto23]

Hello everyone, My name is Emmanuel Katto. I am creative maps in ArcGIS and need some guidance. What tips do you have for creating effective maps in ArcGIS? Are there specific design principles I should be aware of?

Please help..

Thanks in advance!

Best,

Emmanuel Katto

[TonyContreras_Frisco_TX]

Hello Emmanuel,

The question you posted is the topic of many college courses and the bulk of many GIS professional's work. The answer is a common one that spawns more questions that result in more questions. That answer is, it depends.

There are several design principles for making maps, only some apply to every type of map. Here are some things to keep in mind (Thanks to AI):

1. Clarity and Legibility

• Simple Symbols: Use clear and easily recognizable symbols for different features (e.g., roads, water bodies, buildings).
• Consistent Colors: Employ a consistent color palette to differentiate between different types of data.
• Appropriate Labeling: Place labels strategically to avoid clutter and ensure readability.
• Font Choice: Select fonts that are easy to read and complement the overall design.
• Contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast between text, symbols, and the background to enhance readability.

2. Accuracy and Precision

• Correct Geographic Data: Use reliable and up-to-date data sources.
• Scale and Projection: Choose appropriate scale and projection to accurately represent the desired area.
• Spatial Relationships: Maintain accurate spatial relationships between features.
• Data Generalization: If necessary, generalize data to simplify the map without compromising accuracy.

3. Aesthetics and Visual Appeal

• Balanced Composition: Arrange elements harmoniously to create a visually pleasing composition.
• White Space: Use white space effectively to improve readability and create a clean aesthetic.
• Hierarchy: Establish a visual hierarchy to guide the viewer's attention to important elements.
• Theme and Style: Consider the map's purpose and target audience when choosing a theme and style.

4. User Experience

• Interactivity: If possible, incorporate interactive elements to allow users to explore and analyze the map.
• Accessibility: Design the map to be accessible to people with disabilities.
• Intuitive Navigation: Provide clear navigation tools and legends to help users understand the map.

5. Purpose and Audience

• Target Audience: Consider the needs and preferences of your target audience when making design decisions.
• Map Purpose: Ensure that the map effectively communicates the intended message.
• Context: Consider the context in which the map will be used and tailor the design accordingly.

By adhering to these principles, you can create maps that are both informative and visually appealing, effectively conveying your message to your audience.

Check out the ArcGIS Blogs for Mapping for more info and ideas.

[DavidMurray_ODWC]

Aye, there are plenty of Mapping Conventions followed for effective Cartography.  Much too much to go into here, really.  Usually takes the form of multiple books and/or formal classes/courses. 

A few of the Basics:

• A Key to Symbols Used (sets all the viewers at an even level to understand what is shown)
• Stated Scale being Used; Consistent Scale is nice, but if it changes, make sure it is identifiable
• Orientation of Map is Apparent.  "North is Up" is common, but not always sensical
• Concise: Make sure you are communicating what you want to communicate to the map's viewer
• Avoid Clutter: a map of too many things becomes difficult to read

~ Don't make it too complex or complicated.  A map is a representation of an area.  Try to make it as real and accurate as possible, and you might as well just visit the site instead.

As for Creative Application of Cartographic Principles, just look at popular maps.  Famous and Popular maps are very good references and inspiration.  Good maps may be hundreds of years old, or only a few decades.

The London Underground/Tube map is awesome.  Even though it doesn't depict the real-world spatial relationship of what it purports to show.  That isn't what makes it awesome.

Some modern cartographers try to recreate in ESRI (or other mapping softwares) the visualization techniques found in the older works of well-loved cartographers.  A tour of GitHub or some of the posts in ESRI blogs can show you some of their attempts and tools.     ...I have an entire folder on my work PC titled, "Cartography Nerd Resources," that holds scavenged tools and resources for the more standardized application of visualizations -no matter how oddball they may actually be.  
I was trying not to pick out any one modern creative cartographer with fun tools in particular, but the works of WarrenDz (Warren Davis) would be a good place to start.