Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
user (once again unlikely to have a great deal of
knowledge about the use of colour) with almost
unlimited colour choice, sometimes with the
capability to swap between different colour models
at the click of a button. Unfortunately, more
options often lead to more temptation and the
potentially arbitrary use of colour. While it may be
aesthetically appealing, the end result is often little
more than a very colourful graphic. A colour map
designed and created onscreen may also look very
different when it is printed out on paper.
and as such goes a step further by emphasising the
cartographic element but also recognising the value
of graphics software such as Adobe Illustrator.
CAL
Help for the non-cartographer has been addressed
in part by the Computers in Teaching Initiative
Centre for Geography (CTICG) Map Design
CAL module from the University of Leicester
(Computers in Teaching Initiative Centre for
Geography 1994). The objective has been to raise
awareness about maps and cartography, and to
emphasise the importance of map design in an
electronic medium, tackling such issues as text
placement, the use of colour and map
composition, among other things. It provides a
way of increasing awareness among a generation
where freedom to create maps has increased (i.e.
desktop mapping software, GIS, remote sensing
and visualisation), at a time when cartography as a
subject is less popular, by placing an emphasis on
the key elements of map design that facilitate the
creation of a 'good' map (Figure 41.5). Other
solutions have been:
SOLUTIONS
Map-production software
Some attempts have been made to try to provide
both the computer cartographer and the GIS map
producer with suites of tools to help to generate
maps that are suitable for widespread use. MA
Publisher from Avenza is described as 'The
recognised standard for mapmakers' and comprises
a suite of GIS filters for the graphics design software
Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Freehand. This
software is specifically geared to map production
Figure 41.5
Teaching map
design.
