GIS Cartography (2/28 Branner Library 9am - 12pm)

Learn the basics of good map design.

This workshop covers general design topics for better mapping. There will be a short discussion on general visual design concepts with a focus on issues and best practices for GIS mapping. Hands on sessions will cover a narrower set of the most common issues:

• Why design matters in map making?
• Most common GIS map design issues
• Establishing a good Visual Hierarchy
• Building a custom basemap
• Methods for simplifying busy or complex data
• How to use (and not abuse) color in maps
• Better map layout
• Locators and insets

In addition to the planned topics in this workshop it will also be possible to cover other topics based on student interests:

• Small Multiple layouts
• Maps to animated GIFs
• Working with design software (Illustrator and Inkscape)
• Other suggested topics

This workshop is intended to be somewhat open ended so bring in your specific map design related questions or works-in-progress and we'll cover them at the end of the hands on sections.

Note: you must be a current Stanford affiliate with a valid SUnetID to attend this workshop.