Does the intellectual plan for the map and the eventual graphic solution satisfy the plan?  In other words, what combination of graphic elements are necessary to achieve the proper visual hierarchy?

Customary Positions of Map Elements in the Hierarchy

Intellectual                            Object                                                                   Visual

Level                                                                                                                    Level

1                                              Thematic Symbols                                              I

1                                              Title, legend, symbols                                         I

                                                and labeling                                                       

2                                              Base map—land areas,                                       II

                                                political boundaries,

                                                sig. physical features

3-4                                           Important explanatory                                        II-III

                                                materials—map sources

                                                and credits.

4                                              Base map—water features,                                III

                                                such as oceans, lakes, bays

                                                and rivers

5                                              Other base map elements—                              IV

                                                labels, grids, scales, neatlines

Achieving the Visual Hierarchy

1) Figure and Ground

  •  Primitive form of perceptual organization;

  •  Tend to see objects having form separate from surroundings;

  •  Objects that stand out against their background are figures, and the formless backgrounds are ground.

2) Perceptual Grouping Principles

  The viewer spontaneously combines elements in the visual field that share similar properties

  The result is “form” or “wholes” in the visual experience

Grouping by similar shape

  Objects possessing similar shapes are combined visually into a new group that appears distinct from the rest of the image.

Grouping by similar size

  Objects of similar size tend to be grouped together visually into new perceptual structures, or objects.

Grouping by proximity

  elements that are close to each other tend to be seen as visual units.

3) Figure Formation and Closure

  Closure is the tendency for the perceiver to "complete" or close unfinished objects and to see as figures as objects that are already   completed.

  An edge is usually associated with closure.

4) Using Texture to Produce Figures

  Orientation of textural elements is more important in figure development that the positioning of the elements.

  Intraparallelism - the similar alignment of elements in the visual field to achieve order and harmony in the experience.

5) Strong Edges and Figure Development

  Create crisp, clean edges on figures;

6) The Interposition Phenomenon

  Create the visual impression of one object being in front of another object by interrupting the edge or contour of one object (when two objects "meet" or overlap).

7) Figures and Grounds in the Map Frame

  Within a bounded space (within the map border), areas that are smaller and completely enclosed will tend to be viewed as well-   defined figures.

  Ratios of figure to ground are:  1:2.18  to  1:3.56.  What this means is that the ground can be 2.18 to 3.56 bigger in area than the   ground without interfering with figure formation.

8) Land-Water Contrast

  • To distinguish between land and water is considered a significant geographical cue;

  •    Maps with confusing land-water forms inhibit efficient and unambiguous map communication;

  •    Design solutions should never be visually distracting or lacking in clarity;

             -using the graticule;

-vignetting;

-using "screening" or differences in value (light to dark gray).