Making the map

Mary Spence MBE Cartographic Design Consultant

I want a map

what is it for?

who wants it?

what do they want it for?

is what they want actually what they need?

what is the medium of delivery?

who are ‘they’?

are they map literate?

The Map

where is it a map of?

how large does it need to be?

what content is required?

what do they want it for?

what is the budget?

what is the time frame?

what are the delivery media?

The Client

find the appropriate information

check and verify the source data

ensure the data is accurate, complete and current

identify the requirement

select only the information that is required

design according to purpose, user, etc

Forward Planning

provide detailed costs

supply samples

check contractual matters

talk to the client

check technical scope

check progress throughout

Concept to Publication

What is the data source?

in-house or client data

open source data

commercial dataset

new drawing

raster image backdrop

supplementary data

is the scale correct as noted?

does the title reflect content?

is the layout aesthetic?

do symbols in the legend match the map?

is the map easy to understand?

does the design work?

Quality Assurance

Summary

cost the project carefully

pay attention to detail

communicate with the client throughout

examine the requirement thoroughly

provide effective project management

follow stringent quality assurance procedures

offer best customer service

deliver on time

Thank you

Mary Spence MBE Cartographic Design Consultant

assisted by the CartoCats