Better Maps
The concept of Visual Variables
- In Axis Maps, the concept of Visual Hierarchy is well conveyed. I derived that Visual Hierarchy is the captivating aspect to a map but the article focuses on how to achieve this concept while map making. An appealing ratio of shapes and colors is what we initially look for in pictures that involve legends such as charts and flyers. According to the article, this is called seeing certain “Visual Variables”; Shapes with a particular size and color. Most of the time this is to note important data and get the viewer to process it much faster. There are also methods to catch this Visual Variables, one of them being the “Squint test” in which you take a step back and squint at a chart or flyer.
- In conclusion, Visual Hierarchy is the overall concept of making a compilation of data look visually appealing to the naked eye.
both maps
both maps updated
- In the updated map I created, I followed the concept of Visual Variables and made my symbols into color coded pins with a different color scheme. I also dropped the coloring of the rest of the map to focus more on the city in question. I also changed the outline and dropped the shadow to make it look like the chart was floating.
Creative
- In the updated map I created, I followed the concept of Visual Variables and made the zones into a different color scheme to make it eye-catching and applied the “squint test” technique by increasing “bloom” strength by 5 and increasing radius by 5 as well. I also increased the brightness as well to create a aesthetic appeal to the map.
- Squint Technique
- Color appeal
- Points
- Legend