Cartographic Considerations

Delivery of maps to users is rather specific

  • People “consume” these maps via the internet
  • Allows for some cartographic considerations to be made at a general level

However, different devices may require customization

  • For example, phone vs. tablet vs. laptop vs. desktop
  • Mostly an issue for webPAGE development, not web maps

Think like a web designer

  • Communicating spatial information!
    • Need to hold the attention of your user
  • General guidelines:
    • Bigger fonts
    • Bigger buttons
    • Brighter colors
    • Fewer distractions!

webmap carto example

Colors

  • Light colors can be overly bright and too harsh on the eye
    • Can also affect clarity of boundaries
  • Background/foreground color combos
    • Need to make sure text is visible given the colors in the background.
    • Avoid washing out text in the foreground
      • Visual efficiency

web colors

Fonts

fonts

Web mapping process

web mapping process