Map design Principles are a set of general guidelines to help the cartographer to make maps that are easily able to be understood. The chief map design Principles are
Visual Hierarch
Overall balance
Contrast
Clarity
Focus of attention
Unity and Harmony As we learn more about map making we need to keep these basics in mind. Recently, I came across this map on a site dedicated to matters of air quality in the UK. The first thing I noticed was that that the map lacked a title or any kind of scale or key to let the viewers understand the what are focus of attention should be. There isn't a clear idea of what this map is trying to explain other than a brightly colored UK. The overall balance of the map is acceptable. The images is centered just above the page center. The colors are pleasing and the contrast of colors would be helpful to the viewer to understand the data represented if we had any idea of what that data was. By reading the article, I was able to understand that the map was supposed to document the upcoming weeks level of air pollution. The map does little to show the amount of air pollution. I am assuming that the areas in red are the areas of high pollution. I would have like to see some sort of text telling me the name of towns or landmarks to better understand the areas of high air pollution. The above map is a perfect example of why we need to take into account map design Principles. It is a poor representation.
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