---------- 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