Good+Map+-+Bad+Map

What makes a good map? When do we know a map is bad? These questions are always hard to answer. However, there are some good guidelines for the cartographer to follow.

Many maps are intended solely to convey accurate information about spatial relationships. Others maps are intended to sway public debate. The motive behind making a map will always influence: (1) the information included on the map (2) the cartographic strategies employed to create the map

So, what makes a map good? A measure of a good map is how well it conveys information to its intended audience. Thus, an important question for the cartographer to ask is **“Who will read the map?”**

A cartographer must be able to identify the type of reader being addressed for two principal reasons. First, it is important to have an idea about what the audience is likely to know about the subject matter of the map. Second, it is useful to know how much background the readers have in using maps. A map intended for specialists who have a background in cartography might be organized far differently than one intended for use as a prop in a public debate.

Yet another question to ask: **“What data is available for the composition of the map?”**

Decisions about map design are tempered greatly by source materials themselves, by what is available and how easily it can be communicated. Sometimes our source materials have limitations or are incomplete. Some source material may present special problems of presentation because of technical terminology or because of the quantities of detail required to make a point. Some of the mapped data may need to be qualified. These limitations must be considered from the very start of a project so that they can be addressed in the design of the map.

Finally, you must also ask: **"What resources are available in terms of both time and equipment?"**

To achieve the desired results, you must also remain aware of the strengths and weaknesses of various automated mapping processes, software, and hardware. The cartographer must address: - how much time to invest in a project and what systems to use. - whether manual or automated methods will be used. - what type of software is available, and appropriate. - what computer system will be used

Ultimately the cartographer is responsible for good (and bad) map designs.

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