Map Critique

 Not all maps are created equally. In this lab, we had the opportunity to analyze many different maps and choose one that we thought was well-designed and one that was poorly-designed. We then went through an evaluation process for each map to determine what was effective and what needed improvement. Below are the two maps I chose with my evaluation synopsis for both. 

Well-designed map

Well-designed Map Synopsis: This map of South Carolina’s Wildlife Management Area Game Zones was quite effective in meeting its indented purpose. The layout of the map is organized and balanced, the labels are generally legible and clear, and there is little to no redundant or unnecessary information. One component of the map that appeals to my aesthetics is the symbology chosen for the six different game zones. I like how each zone has a lightly colored interior with a thick, darker colored border. Secondly, I like how the author organized map elements around South Carolina, effectively using white space created by the shape of South Carolina in the lower-left and lower-right areas of the map. Lastly, I appreciated how clean the map is with little to no excess information or symbology. 

Poorly-designed map.

Poorly-designed Map Synopsis: Since there is no information to determine what the purpose of the map is, I think we can safely say that this map was not effective in meeting its intended purpose. This labels on this map are not legible, the layout is random and incomplete, and the map is so busy that I can’t tell what the substantial information is. My first suggestion to the author would be to decide what information he or she is trying to convey with the map and remove all other irrelevant elements, layers, and labels. Secondly, I would suggest that the author include necessary elements such as a title and legend and rearrange the size and placement of other elements like the scale bar and north arrow. The north arrow is way too big in relation to the size of the map, and the scale bar is missing units and is placed right in the middle of the map. Lastly, once the author is clear on what information he or she wants to include in the map, the symbology should be adjusted so that the most important features are highlighted, while less important features are symbolized more inconspicuously.