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Illinois State University

Research Commons

A space and place for those seeking help with research-related needs.

Overview

More to Know About Maps
From National Geographic, a simple but very helpful overview of maps, terms, etc.

Cartography & Visualizing Maps

Cartography Design
Create Map(s)

ESRI Design Principles for Cartography
Tufte Forum: Maps
Scroll down to watch the short video as Inge Druckrey narrates the preferred elements in map design.

General design considerations include includes coloring, map extent, labels, boundaries, interactivity, 3D models, and more. . .
Map Elements	Map Design
Title	Colors and Shading
Map Symbols	Typography / Font
Legend	Focus of Attention
Map Scale	Map element hierarchy
North Arrow	Figure-
Map Area
Labels
Borders and Neatlines
Graticule or Coordinate Grid

From UIUC LibraryGuides

Mapchart
Create and color an editable map.
Created maps are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License