GIS 5007: Week 2 Comparative Analysis of Well-Designed and Poorly-Designed Maps

 

This week we learned about the significance cartographic design by evaluating two maps. The first map is a well-designed thematic map showcasing archaeological site density in Ireland, while the second is a reference map for attractions across the country.

Well-Designed Map

This thematic map is designed to display the density of archaeological sites across Ireland. Its purpose is clear, showing the concentration of monuments and sites in a way that’s easy to understand. The use of color, including a gradient scale from red (high density) to blue (low density), helps emphasize key data points effectively. The layout is clean and balanced, and the font choices ensure that labels and symbols are legible. Furthermore, the use of a heatmap and 3D spikes adds depth and makes the data stand out without overwhelming the viewer.

Map of Archaeology in Ireland (2014)

(Source: https://archaeologyireland.ie/2018/03/19/showing-the-archaeology-of-ireland-in-one-map/)

Poorly-Designed Map

This reference map, intended to guide tourists to points of historical, recreational, and cultural interest, suffers from design flaws. The map is cluttered with too many small, indistinguishable icons that overwhelm the viewer. The lack of color differentiation among icons makes it difficult to focus on any particular theme. Additionally, the map’s scale and legend are poorly designed, with the scale bar being too small to read and no clear explanation of what the various symbols represent.

Ireland Pictorial Map Travel Poster Irish Tourist Board (c.1956)

(Source: https://goldenageposters.com/products/ireland-showing-some-of-the-places-of-scenic-and-historic-interest?variant=20378432569447)

From critiquing these maps, it’s clear how essential good design is in map making and how the process of critique can improve my own map design choices. A well-designed map should not only convey data effectively but also create an enjoyable and intuitive user experience. In contrast, a poorly-designed map can overwhelm and confuse users, making the information harder to interpret. Clarity should always be the goal when designing a map. It’s not just about displaying all the information at once, but about communicating the purpose in the most effective way possible.