5 Necessary Things a Map Needs
Creating a map requires some necessary information to make it rich and informative. A map can be about anything that provides a description, information, data, location, etc.
There are types of maps and each of them is designed differently. However, to make a map perfectly, you need to provide these necessary things on point.
1. Right Title: The title of a map should be in a large font so that it can be identified easily. But remember, the title should not dominate the map graphic. It also should include descriptive text according to the location. The purpose of the map should be clearly mentioned. If the map is made as thematic, the theme should be mentioned in the title. The title can be in a box and it does not necessarily mean to have it at the top of the page.
2. Scale Indicator: The graphic bar scale of the map usually indicates the scale. It can be a representative fraction or a verbal scale. The reader must be able to identify the relationship between a unit of measurement on the map as well as in the real world.
3. Orientation: a map should indicate the ways properly, for example, which is north, south, east, and west. The orientation can be shown by grid marks. North does not need to be at the top of the page. And when it is not in a map, a north arrow is essential.
4. Border: A border of a map identifies where the mapped area stops. The borderline is often the thickest line on the map. This line should be close to the edges of the area. The distance between the border and the map should be provided the same on each side.
5. Legend: a legend simply defines the colors and symbols used on the map. If the map is so simple that can easily be understood by the readers, there is no need to include legends. And when the legends are included, it should be clear to the mark line and pattern. If the symbology of the map is so complicated, the importance of legends becomes more prominent.
Moreover, these are the significant things a map should include when making it. You can have this cartography by yourself or calling Cartographic Services. They help people making proper maps according to the required design and information.
