Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Show me the Alpacas...in color.

There are often differences that can be easily noticed when comparing a digital copy of map, to a copy of the same map that has been printed.  For instance, when I printed this map and compared it to the digital image seen above, there were two key differences.  Although these differences may not seem major they may create a distraction, and may make the map hard to understand or interpret.  

The first difference is the color that I chose for the 1.68-2.39% category.  When the map is viewed in digital form I think the color for that group is too bold, and it almost seems to jump out at the viewer, causing it catch more attention than the other colors. I also feel that it sort of appears to be out of place in the color scale chosen, especially when compared to the color used for the 0.09-1.41% category.  However when the map is printed the first color is much more subtle, and blends with the other colors very well. 

The second difference is the legibility of the text.  I personally think that the text may be difficult for some viewers to read when the map is viewed in digital form due to the varying thickness of the font, and the way it curves.  However, when the map is printed the text is legible and easy to read.


Because of these differences it is very important that cartographers keep in mind the purpose and audience of their map, and to make sure that the map maintains balance when it is viewed in its final form.

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