Dr. R. B.
Tiwari
Assistant Professor
Department of Geography
IGNTU, Amarkantak
Map Legends
• A map legend or key is a visual explanation of
the symbols used on the map.
• It typically includes a sample of each symbol (point, line, or
area), and a short description of what the symbol means.
• The legend is a graphical representation of information, with
design principles similar to a map or any other graphic.
• For example, a short segment of a blue sinuous line may be
labeled 'rivers'.
• Because map symbols’ meanings vary from region to region, a clear
and concise legend is critical for conveying the distinctive
characteristics of the map.
• The legend is a graphical representation of information, with
design principles similar to a map or any other graphic.
• The only difference is that it is related to the information on the
map it is connected to.
• This is important to remember the layout design
concepts such as harmony, visual balance, clarity,
visual logic, logical groupings, and unambiguous
references to create a legend that is effective in
relation to the map.
• Creating a well laid out legend will enhance the
overall gestalt of the maps visual appearance.
• (Gestalt (ɡəˈSHtält,-ˈSHtôlt/), a German word meaning "form" or
"shape", is defined as "something that is made of many parts but is
greater or different than the combination of its parts".
• The concept of Gestalt and its principles are applicable in
cartographic design. Gestalt is a general term that describes a
group of objects (physical, biological, or even psychological
phenomena) that have a definition as a group that is different from
their definitions when they were apart.
• In regards to cartography, the gestalt effect of a map is the way in
which a reader perceives all of the elements of a map as a unified
whole
Considerations in Legend Design
• The legend, however, is very large and can be very distracting.
• It is able to fulfill its purpose of informing what the different
colors mean, but it is higher on the visual hierarchy that the
actual geographic area being looked at.
Three important aspects of Legends
1. Content
2. Design
3. Placement
1. Content
• Content is contained in the legend to aid in the interpretation of the
map.
• Legends usually contain a title and portray the symbology with a
concise explanation.
• The title of the legend does not need to have the word "legend"
in it; often it does not need a title at all.
• However, when it is necessary (i.e. to explain the meaning of
the choropleth map or other vital information in the legend)
then the title becomes the key element.
• The symbology within the legend will contain figures,
shapes, lines and colors.
• If symbols on the map are self-explanatory, they need
not appear on the legend.
• Whenever a legend involves quantities of any type,
explicitly state the units on the legend.
2. Design
• The Design involves the overall appearance of the legend.
• The symbology of the legend must match the symbology on the
map with the same size, weight, color and meaning.
• If the symbology is difficult or slightly confusing, it is important
to have a brief explanation of the symbol so the reader of the map
understands the meaning.
• A highly aesthetic legend can be nice yet distracting from the map.
• Be concise - not every symbol used on the map needs to be in
the legend.
• In choropleth mapping, for example, orientation is an important
aspect of legend design and there are many arguments about the
benefits and detriments of vertical versus horizontal legends.
• The main task of both orientations is to accurately and
effectively depict more or less of a certain value or phenomena.
• Ultimately, most legend layout conundrums are decided by
available space on the map.
3. Placement
• Placement is where the legend itself is located on the map.
• Some places are better than others.
• Keep in mind that the legend is not the main attraction-
-it is used to describe the main attraction.
• The size should only be large enough to be legible for
the reader.
• It is best to place the legend in an area of open space on
the map.
Legends in
Indian
Topographic
Sheets
Clouding Symbols
Types of Clouds
Condition of Sea Surface
Weather Symbols
File Work
1. Draw legends used for weather maps
2. Draw Legends used in General Purpose
Maps and Topographical Maps
