Mapping Center

Bad maps, unlike bad press, do not garner the sort of attention that can be capitalized upon.  Bad maps are strong impediments to gaining mind share, and represent a significant risk to depleting mind share.  Why? Bad maps are a visual, i.e., strong communication method, and convey incompetence and poor judgment.

To many of us this is obvious, but we consistently hear from people who are professionals, who have to make maps. Read More...

Occasionally I'm asked to come into a project to introduce some cartographic thinking into work that ordinarily might not have much. I spent most of last week with some folks who know water utility GIS. I helped by designing a status map, and took some of that work to make some improvements to an editing map and a mobile map. The status map needed to be a multi-scale base map that showed the water network data (mains, valves, meters, etc.), and the status of assets and water service.  Many different people within a water department, local government, or even the public might see the map. This map had to be functional, attractive, and free of obvious  errors and awkward symbol or labeling choices. Read More...

Cynthia Brewer’s new book titled Designed Maps: A Sourcebook for GIS Users is a companion piece designed to compliment the highly successful Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users published by ESRI Press in 2005. The goal of the book is to offer a graphics-intensive presentation of published maps, providing cartographic details that will prompt GIS users to think about their own maps and how to improve them. Read More...