GIS 5007 - Computer Cartography: Module 1 - Map Critique

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This week’s lesson topic is about understanding map design principles by determining and explaining the difference between a well-designed and poorly designed map of personal choice.  


For my example of a well-designed map, I chose the thematic map example, below. The theme of this map is to show what counties in South Carolina are a part of which Wildlife Management Area Game Zones, 1 - 6. This map example has a clear and neat esthetic allowing the reader to clearly understand the theme, data, and visual interpretation of the map. This map includes the necessities: map title, legend, scale bar, citations, neat boundaries, correct/neat symbology, and clear qualitative and quantitative data. The map is appropriately balanced without being overcrowded but we also do not see any large white or empty spaces.

Well-designed map (WDesign):


For my example of a poorly designed map, I chose another thematic map example, below. This maps topic seems to be about what sitcoms are most popular in major U.S. cities and/or states. However, I could be wrong since this information displayed on this map isn't exactly clear and descriptive. My first impression of this map was, "what is going on here?" This map is remarkably busy, disorganized, no clear boundaries, and no clear qualitative and quantitative data. This map lacks a clear legend(s), symbols for clarity, clear boundaries, balance, symbology, scale bar, and citations. If a correct legend was added to the map to clarify what the data purpose is we could have more functionally out of this map.


Poorly-designed (PDesign): 









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