Module 3 - Cartographic Design

 

Figure - Map of Schools in Ward 7

This week, we used Gestalt’s Principles of Organization along with the other cartographic design principles we have learned so far in the course to create a map showing the locations of schools in Ward 7. The main map displayed this information along with general contextual features such as roads, highways, parks, and other environmental elements. Additionally, there was an inset map to show where Ward 7 is located in the context of Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas. In our map, we had to demonstrate hierarchy, use contrast to show the relative importance of features, apply figure, ground principles to make certain features appear closer to the viewer, and accomplish all of this while maintaining a balanced, harmonious map that effectively communicates its purpose to the end reader.

Different tools were used, such as the clipping tool to select only the schools within the Ward 7 boundary. We also referred back to last week’s lab, where we practiced labeling. In this lab, we labeled neighborhoods, road systems, and the Anacostia River. To make the map more visually engaging, I took an additional step and learned how to convert labels to graphics, particularly useful for creating the shield symbols commonly used for different road and highway systems.

Since there were so many principles to remember, along with the challenge of using ArcGIS Pro, which can be tricky, I decided to tackle all of the labeling first. I fine‑tuned the labels and placed them exactly where I wanted them before moving on to the other map elements, such as fonts, sizing, and layout adjustments. It took some time, but breaking the project into these separate tasks made the overall process far less daunting.

Here are some of my design decisions and the reasoning behind them. 

In designing my map of schools in Ward 7, I focused heavily on visual hierarchy, contrast, figure ground, and balance. To establish hierarchy, I used different‑sized pushpin symbols for the schools so viewers could easily distinguish elementary, middle, and high schools. Their dark red color helped them stand out as the most important features. For the roads and highways, I used standard gallery symbols but adjusted line thicknesses to show their relative importance without overwhelming the map.

I also applied hierarchy through typography. The title used the largest font, while elements like the north arrow and scale bar were kept subtle. Although I wanted a larger font for the school list, space limitations required me to keep it at 11‑point.

To create contrast, I relied on both color and symbol differences. The school symbols were dark and bold, while the ward boundary was intentionally much lighter than its surroundings to highlight the area of interest. I used the same approach in the inset map, making Ward 7 even lighter so it remained visible at a smaller scale. For labels, I used Corbel and Tahoma in medium gray, readable but not overpowering and used bold or italic styles only when according to cartographic principles.

 I made Ward 7 noticeably lighter than the surrounding areas so it would visually “pop” forward. The rest of the map used a cohesive, neutral palette of beiges and grays to keep the focus on the schools and major features.

Balancing the layout required some trial and error. Since heavy elements at the top can make a map feel top‑heavy, I placed the school list at the bottom. Although the legend and school list on the right side made the layout slightly right‑heavy, the bold title and inset map on the left helped counterbalance this. I also made use of the natural triangular spaces created by the map extent to place elements efficiently.

Along the way, I refined several technical details: reorganizing the street drawing order so major roads weren’t covered, experimenting with gradient strokes to add subtle depth to the county layer, converting highway labels to graphics for easier editing, and using 75% transparency behind the school list so it wouldn’t block the map beneath it.

Overall, these choices helped create a map that is visually clear, balanced, and easy for viewers to interpret.