Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS

Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS serves as a practical guide for creating effective maps using Geographic Information Systems. The book combines technical instruction with design principles to help readers develop cartographic skills. The text covers fundamentals like map scale, projections, symbolization, and color theory while providing hands-on examples using common GIS software. Step-by-step tutorials walk through the process of making different types of maps, from basic reference maps to more complex thematic visualizations. The authors address both the science and art of cartography, explaining how to make maps that are technically accurate while also being visually compelling and clear. Real-world map examples illustrate both successful and problematic design choices. This work bridges the gap between pure cartographic theory and practical map creation, emphasizing that effective maps must balance aesthetic appeal with functional communication of spatial information. The focus remains on empowering readers to make informed design decisions rather than following rigid rules.

Readers describe this as a practical guide for creating effective maps, with clear explanations of cartographic principles. Many note its value for both beginners and experienced GIS users. Liked: - Visual examples showing good vs poor design choices - Step-by-step instructions for common mapping tasks - Coverage of both technical and theoretical aspects - Useful reference charts and decision trees - Accessible writing style with humor Disliked: - Some found later chapters too abstract - Limited coverage of digital mapping tools - Several readers wanted more advanced GIS techniques - A few noted the book focuses more on principles than software-specific instructions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (89 ratings) "Perfect balance between theory and practical application" - Amazon reviewer "Could use more real-world examples" - Goodreads reviewer "Helped me understand why certain map designs work better than others" - LibraryThing review

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🗺️ John Krygier maintains a popular cartography blog called "Making Maps" that serves as a companion to the book, offering additional resources and examples 🎨 The book revolutionized cartography textbooks by using a highly visual approach, featuring over 200 full-color illustrations and real-world map examples 📚 Though focused on digital mapping, the book draws inspiration from centuries of cartographic history, including indigenous mapping techniques and medieval European maps 🔍 Denis Wood, co-author of the book, is known for his controversial stance that maps are inherently political tools and wrote the influential work "The Power of Maps" 💻 The book was one of the first mapping guides to bridge the gap between traditional cartographic principles and modern GIS software capabilities, making it accessible to both students and professionals