The elements of a map frame refer to the essential components that accompany the main geographic data display to create a complete and understandable map layout. These components provide context, scale, orientation, and crucial explanatory information.
Key Elements of a Map Layout
While the "map frame" itself is the area where the geographic data is displayed, a complete map layout typically includes several supporting elements to ensure clarity and usability. According to cartographic standards and the provided reference, these elements commonly include:
- Map Frame (Data Area): The primary area displaying the geographic features and data. The reference notes that the map frame(s) should take up a majority of the area, avoiding excess white space.
- Map Title: A concise label describing the map's subject or location.
- Legend: Explains the symbols, colors, and line types used to represent features on the map.
- Scale Indicator: Shows the relationship between distances on the map and actual distances on the ground.
- North Arrow: Indicates the direction of North on the map.
- Map Borders (Neat Lines): The lines enclosing the map frame and potentially the entire map layout.
- Map Text/Labels: Annotations, place names, and other textual information on the map.
- Supplementary Information: Details about the map's source, date of creation, author, and coordinate systems.
Here's a more detailed look at these elements:
The Map Frame (Data Area)
This is the central part of the map, containing the mapped geographic features. It is crucial that the data within the map frame is the focus. As the reference states, "The map frame(s) should take up a majority of the area; avoid excess white space." This emphasizes the importance of the map data itself being the prominent visual element.
Map Titles
A map title provides a clear and concise description of the map's content. The reference advises they should not be sentences but should be simple and to the point. A good title helps viewers quickly understand the map's purpose.
- Examples:
- Population Density of California, 2020
- Major Rivers of North America
- Land Use in Central Park
Legends
The legend is vital for interpreting the map's symbology. It acts as a key, explaining what different points, lines, and polygons represent.
Scale Indicators
Scale tells the viewer the relationship between map distance and real-world distance. This can be shown in several ways:
- Scale Bar: A visual bar marked with distances (e.g., miles, kilometers).
- Ratio Scale: Written as a ratio (e.g., 1:24,000).
- Verbal Scale: Written as a sentence (e.g., "One inch equals one mile").
The reference specifically mentions "Scale bars" as an element.
North Arrows
A North arrow indicates the direction of North, helping users orient the map correctly in relation to the real world. While typically pointing upwards, it's essential to include one if the map isn't oriented with North strictly upwards.
Map Borders
Map borders, also known as "neat lines," serve to frame the map area and provide a clean boundary. They can enclose just the map frame or the entire map layout. The reference explicitly states, "Map Borders are known as “neat lines.”"
Map Text and Labels
This includes all the textual information placed directly on the map features, such as city names, street labels, or elevation figures. Effective labeling enhances the map's readability.
Supplementary Information
This category includes essential metadata necessary for evaluating and understanding the map's context and reliability. The reference broadly refers to "Information," which typically covers:
- Source of the data
- Date the data was collected or the map was created
- Author or creator of the map
- Projection or coordinate system information
Incorporating these elements alongside the map frame displaying the geographic data ensures that the map is not only visually informative but also fully understandable and useful to its audience.
Summary Table
| Element | Purpose | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Map Frame (Data Area) | Displays the geographic data | Should take up a majority of the area; avoid excess white space |
| Map Title | Describes the map's content | Should not be sentences, simple and to the point |
| Legend | Explains map symbols | Listed as a key element |
| Scale Indicator | Shows map-to-real-world distance relationship | "Scale bars" specifically mentioned |
| North Arrow | Indicates direction of North | Listed as a key element |
| Map Borders | Frames the map area | Known as “neat lines” |
| Map Text/Labels | Provides names and descriptions on the map | Listed as a key element |
| Supplementary Info | Source, date, author, etc. | Listed as a key element ("Information") |
