How To Make A Map
Note: This will be expanded in the future.
Making a map is a fun activity for children. It can also be a fun hobby for adults. But where do you begin?
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Decide on the map's purpose
First and foremost you need to decide the purpose of the map. Is it directions to your house? Is it a map of a vacation?
Next decide what aspect of the map you want to emphasize... roads you drove, cities you visited, food you ate, etc.
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Gather relevant materials
Use road maps, atlases, and any other sources to get locations, natural features, and cultural information.
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Select a map projection
This step really only matters for contenental or world maps.
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Choose colors
Bright, highly contrasting colors for a contemporary map? Subdued monochromatic for a antique map feel?
Whichever you choice, develop your colors and make a working legend for you to work from. Be sure to use contrast and repetition when selecting colors.
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Set up your map grid on both sources and your map
Draw the lines of latitude and longitude so that you can place map objects in their correct place.
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Plot features as points, lines, and polygon outlines
Carefully match coordinates between your source and your map.
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Design features
Make a legend with each feature you plan to include on the map. Decide how you will represent each feature with symbol.
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Draw features
Use your plotted points, lines, and polygons for locations of symbols on the map.
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Add ornamentation
If you are drawing the map by hand, prepare ornamentation on separate pieces of paper before adding to your map to avoid any mistakes. Check size, weight, and color of any ornamentation to make sure each fits in the overall composition of the map.
After you feel good about your ornamentation, transfer to the map using transfer paper.
If you drawing your map digitally, you can add ornamentation as separate layers and adjust each without affecting the rest of the map.
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Add color and texture
Refer to your color scheme to keep colors correct.
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