Cartographic Design

Cartographic Design is the art and science of creating effective, beautiful, and informative maps. It’s one of the most essential skills in GIS, because even the most sophisticated analysis won’t communicate its story without clear and thoughtful map design.

Let’s break this down — I’ll give you a modern cartography guide (especially in the context of ArcGIS Pro), plus some design tips and best practices you can use for both print and web maps.


What is Cartographic Design?

It’s the process of organizing and styling geographic information to:

  • Communicate a specific message or theme
  • Ensure clarity and visual balance
  • Make spatial data understandable and appealing

Good cartographic design = function + form


Core Elements of a Well-Designed Map:

Map ElementPurpose
TitleClarifies the map’s topic
LegendExplains symbols, colors, or data categories
Scale BarShows the map’s scale (graphic or numeric)
North ArrowIndicates orientation
Inset MapProvides context (like a location overview)
Source / CreditsData source transparency
NeatlineOptional — frames the map for clarity

Cartographic Principles to Follow:

Visual Hierarchy

  • Arrange elements so important information stands out.
  • Use size, color, weight, and position to guide the reader’s eye.

Balance & Layout

  • Distribute visual weight evenly across the layout.
  • Align map frames, titles, legends, and other elements logically.

Color Theory

  • Choose appropriate color schemes (sequential, diverging, qualitative).
  • Avoid color combinations problematic for colorblind viewers.
  • Use ColorBrewer palettes (available in ArcGIS Pro).

Symbology

  • Match symbol styles to map type and audience.
  • Use intuitive, clean, and scalable symbols for clarity.
  • Keep thematic map symbols distinct and legible.

Typography

  • Limit to 2-3 fonts.
  • Use font size, style, and color to maintain readability and hierarchy.
  • Avoid unnecessary effects like drop shadows or glows unless stylistically consistent.

Cartographic Map Types:

TypeDescription
Reference MapsGeneral features like streets, rivers, parks
Thematic MapsShow a specific topic (e.g. population density, land use)
Choropleth MapsColor-shaded areas based on data values
Dot Density MapsRepresent quantities with dot patterns
Proportional Symbol MapsSymbols sized by value
Isarithmic/Contour MapsContinuous data like elevation or temperature
3D MapsTerrain, buildings, visibility analysis

Cartographic Design in ArcGIS Pro:

  • Use Layouts to design and export map pages
  • Use Labeling and Annotation tools for precise label control
  • Customize Symbology via symbol galleries or build your own
  • Adjust Map Frame Extents and set Grids & Guides
  • Use ColorBrewer palettes built into symbology options
  • Apply Map Effects: drop shadows, halos, blending modes for enhanced readability

Pro Cartography Tips:

  • Use a basemap appropriate for your data’s context (topo for hiking, muted gray for thematic)
  • Keep your audience in mind: avoid clutter, focus on clarity
  • Leverage graticules for global/regional context
  • Use data-driven pages for multi-map atlases or reports
  • Test your color scheme for color vision deficiencies
  • Optimize maps for both screen and print outputs — adjust resolution, colorspace (RGB/CMYK)

Example Cartographic Workflow (Thematic Choropleth Map)

  1. Add vector data (e.g., counties shapefile)
  2. Choose Symbology > Graduated Colors
  3. Set data field (e.g., population density)
  4. Choose a sequential color scheme (e.g., from ColorBrewer)
  5. Classify data using Natural Breaks (Jenks) or Quantile
  6. Design layout: add title, legend, scale, north arrow, credits
  7. Export to PDF or image for sharing

Want a Hands-On Example?

I can sketch out a step-by-step cartography lab, or help you style a map you’re working on right now. Or — if you give me a theme (e.g. crime, elevation, urban sprawl) — I can outline a custom cartographic design plan for you.

Would you like one? What type of map or project are you building?