Use Texture In Maps To Add Visual Interest
I've often wondered what makes antique maps so attractive and collectable. One reason is the artistic use of ornamentation and embellishment. But the more I compare antique maps to modern maps, especially thematic maps, the more I believe it is the texture found in antique maps.
Line texture
Look at this map by John Wesley Powell created in 1890 from the Library of Congress' map collection...
Zoomed in...
The rivers are not necessary, but including them gives the map texture that adds visual interest. The rivers are kept light so as not to impose on the map. But without the them the map would not have nearly as much visual interest.
Also notice the graduated off-shore lines that define the oceans. They act to...
- Gradually meld the land into the sea.
- Prevent the dark shoreline outline and colorful inland from impacting too visually.
- Reduce the negative space of the white oceans and focus the viewer on the map theme of North America.
Compare this use of texture to a modern thematic map. Notice the richness the line texture adds.
Color texture
Texture isn't limited to using lines. Colored antique maps also have variation...
In this map of Philadelphia the color variation adds a lot of visual interest. Even large spaces such as the city and the surrounding country have variability so that it feels like organic land as seen in this close-up.
Symbol texture
Terrain, flora, and fauna symbols add texture to maps. Notice the terrain richness in Raisz's Map of the Lower Nile...
Other forms of terrain texture include the popular shaded relief (opens in new window).
Given these examples, consider how you can incorporate texture in your maps.
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