Cartographer how-to

How to Design a Clear Map Layout

Good maps communicate fast.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Good maps communicate fast. In short: know; pick; simplify, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Know the audience.

  2. Pick the main message.

  3. Simplify layers.

  4. Choose clear symbols.

  5. Add a legend and scale.

  6. Check readability.

Safety reminders for cartographers

  • Use ergonomic setups
  • Follow field safety
  • Protect sensitive data
  • Document sources

GIS · Layer · Projection · Coordinate system · Lidar · Orthophoto: see the full cartographer glossary.

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