"A map symbol or cartographic symbol is a graphical device used to visually represent a real-world feature on a map, working in the same fashion as other forms of symbols."
Standardized symbols and icons used on maps to represent features such as roads, water bodies, and landmarks.
Basic Geometry: Understanding geometric shapes like point, line, and polygon is essential when working with map symbols, as most map symbols are based on these shapes.
Color coding: The use of different colors is essential when creating map symbols to differentiate between different elements on the map.
Scale representation: Representing the spatial elements on the map relative to their actual size is necessary, and it is done through scale representation.
Size and Proportions: Adjusting the size of the map symbols to reflect their actual size is critical. Proportions should also be maintained.
Orientation of Symbols: Symbols on maps should be correctly oriented to reflect their actual position.
Symbols and Icons: Different types of symbols and icons are used in cartography, representing different objects and elements on the map.
Grid Systems: Grid systems are used to represent the location of objects and features on the map accurately.
Projection Types: Different types of projection should be selected according to the geographic area being mapped.
Legends and Labels: The use of legends and labels is critical to convey additional information about the objects and features on the map.
Symbol Design Principles: Different principles apply when designing map symbols, like clarity, simplicity, and consistency, primarily for easy interpretation of the map.
Point Symbols: These represent a particular location or point of interest on a map. They may be used to indicate landmarks, buildings, natural features, etc.
Line Symbols: These are used to depict linear features such as roads, railways, rivers, etc.
Area Symbols: These represent the boundaries of areas such as forests, parks, lakes, etc.
Contour Lines: These are used to depict the shape and elevation of the land.
Spot Heights: These are used to indicate the height of a particular point on the map.
Grids: Used to show the coordinate system of the map.
Scale: A visual aid to help in determining distances on the map.
North Arrow: A directional arrow that orients the map.
Legend: A key to interpreting the symbols shown on the map.
Pictorial Symbols: These represent features such as trees, mountains, bridges, etc. in a stylized manner.
Hypsometric Tints: These use color to denote elevation.
Planimetric Maps: Maps that only show horizontal features, such as roads and buildings, and exclude relief features.
Thematic Maps: These are maps that focus on a particular theme such as population, land use, geology, etc.
"Map symbols may include point markers, lines, regions, continuous fields, or text."
"These can be designed visually in their shape, size, color, pattern, and other graphic variables to represent a variety of information about each phenomenon being represented."
"Map symbols simultaneously serve several purposes."
"Declare the existence of geographic phenomena."
"Show location and extent."
"Visualize attribute information."
"Add to (or detract from) the aesthetic appeal of the map, and/or evoke a particular aesthetic reaction (a "look and feel")."
"Establish an overall gestalt order to make the map more or less useful, including visual hierarchy."
"A map symbol or cartographic symbol is a graphical device used to visually represent a real-world feature on a map."
"Shape, size, color, pattern, and other graphic variables."
"Map symbols simultaneously serve several purposes."
"Establish an overall gestalt order to make the map more or less useful, including visual hierarchy."
"Map symbols may include point markers."
"Add to (or detract from) the aesthetic appeal of the map."
"A variety of information about each phenomenon being represented."
"Evoke a particular aesthetic reaction (a 'look and feel')."
"Establish an overall gestalt order to make the map more or less useful, including visual hierarchy."
"Working in the same fashion as other forms of symbols."
"To visually represent a real-world feature on a map."