---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 10 Sep 1998 08:21:12 -0700
From: rods <[log in to unmask]>
To: Maps and Air Photo Systems Forum <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Cartographic standards (fwd)
 
I agree with Dennis, his description is the way I was taught. As a
cartographer who has been creating maps for the past 15 years, I have seen
alot of changes in the ways maps are produced. Sometimes I feel that with
the new production techniques using Freehand or Illustrator (or whatever),
we as cartographers have lost touch with the principles of map making that
were developed by great cartographers such as Imhof.  Although the tools we
use today allow for quick production of maps, I see alot of examples of
poor cartographic judgement in many of the newly published maps.
 
Although only one of the many principles in cartography, typography and
type placement are fundamental for creating an attractive and readable map.
It amazes me, some of the type placement I see on "todays maps". You would
think that with the flexability in type placement that our new productions
afford us, that every map would have great type placement. After all its
just as easy to place a piece of text in the right position as it is in the
wrong position. That is unless you don't know the fundamentals of type
placement. I may be off track here, but I think we could all benefit from
reviewing some of the principles of cartography as developed by the
masters.
 
Just my 2 cents worth.
 
Rod Smith
Maps Unlimited
Email: [log in to unmask]
 
 
>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>Date: Wed, 09 Sep 1998 14:48:06 -0600
>From: "D. Fitzsimons" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Cartographic standards (fwd)
>
>> Subject: Cartographic standards
>>
>> Is there an accepted cartographic standard or convention on how to label
>> a road running north and south?  I usually see the label on the west
>> side of the road, with the beginning of the word to the south.  Is this
>> the commonly accepted method?  Any ideas why or why not?
>
>I believe that there are no universal standards or conventions for this
>situation.  However, Eduard Imhof (noted Swiss cartographer) offered several
>guidelines for typography and lettering placement.  Basically, Imhof
>suggested that what is appropriate is whatever disrupts the map as little as
>possible and provides clear graphic association.  With my students, I
>recommend that if there are more N/S streets (or other linear features) on the
>left half of the map.... then label on the west, with the first letter starting
>south and running north.  If more streets are on the right half.... label
>on the
>east starting north and running south.  If streets are equally spread out
>across the map; pick one style and maintain consistency.
>
>> Similarly, in cases where it is necessary to publish a map rotated 90
>> degrees (with north either to the right or left, as opposed to up), is
>> there a standard for which way the map should be oriented?
>
>I prefer maps facing outwards from the gutter in bound works (or north to the
>left in your example), unless there are two facing maps and the reader needs
>to make comparisons between distributions.  In the latter case, the maps
>should face in the same direction to facilitate comparison.
>
>> If there are no international standards per se, then perhaps someone
>> could comment on standards for the US, where the map in question will be
>> published.  Thanks...
>
>In my experience, there are very few map standards used in the US, except
>within particular large government or private agencies.  Without standards the
>judgement of what constitutes conventional usage is debatable.
>
>Eduard Imhof. 1975.  "Positioning names on maps."  The American
>Cartographer, Vol. 2, pp. 128-144.
>
>> Dale Sanderson, Cartographic Specialist
>> URL: http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Lobby/3162/
>
>
>Dr. Dennis Fitzsimons
>Department of Geography & Planning
>Southwest Texas State University
>San Marcos, TX  78666-4616
>512.245.3200