Map Critique Lab 1

The first week of cartography helped to understand common map design principles, and identifying good versus bad map designs. An important part of cartography is understanding and developing cartographic styles in accordance with established principles. Edward Tufte's 20 map design principles were combined into "6 commandments." These commandments emphasize that information on the map should be substantial and effectively labeled, the map should be accurate, and to minimize any extra elements that are non essential. Two maps were evaluated for the lab one good map and one bad map.

Good map design

The map I chose for the good map design depicts Easter Island. The map shows the island in the middle with the supporting map elements balanced around it over the open water. The legend is descriptive and concise, showing the audience landmarks around the island. A color gradient legend is also given to show the change in elevation throughout the island. An inset map is also included to giving the audience a sense of where this island is located. The symbols used on this map are easy to find and are labeled with appropriate names. I like the choice of the color gradient scheme for the elevation and the contrasting black symbology. The layout of the map is well balanced with the map elements using up the open water space. The legend is clear and concise making the map easy to understand. Overall the map gives a good layout and understanding of the island. 

Bad map design

The map I chose for the bad map design I am no sure what it is supposed to depict. There is no title on the map, and the pinpoints used are clumped and cluttered together creating a sense of ambiguity. There are no additional map elements or text to give any context to the map content. The map should include map elements such as a title, legend, and scale bar. The placement of the pinpoints should be rethought/redone to give the audience more clarity. Subtext to this map also may be useful to give the audience a better understanding of the map. Overall the bad map design needs to provide context and information.