8+Times Asked
~35Total Marks
4Topics
MediumPriority
1 Visual Variables (7 Variables of Bertin)
- Size: Symbol dimensions (larger = more). Best for quantitative.
- Shape: Different forms (circle, triangle). For nominal data.
- Hue: Different colours. Best for qualitative/categorical.
- Value (Lightness): Light-to-dark shading. For ordered data.
- Saturation: Intensity of colour (vivid vs dull).
- Orientation: Direction of hatching/symbols.
- Texture/Pattern: Density and arrangement of markings.
2 Essential Map Elements
- Title: What, where, when. Prominent position.
- Legend: Symbol key for all features and colours.
- Scale bar: Visual ground distance. Graphical preferred.
- North arrow: Map orientation.
- Frame/Neatline: Boundary around map body.
- Grid/Graticule: Reference lines.
- Source/Citation: Data source, projection, datum.
- Inset map: Location context or enlarged detail.
3 Map Types
- Choropleth: Areas shaded by value. Best for normalised ratio data (density).
- Graduated Symbol: Proportional symbols sized by value. Good for absolute counts.
- Dot Density: Each dot = fixed quantity. Shows distribution pattern.
- Isopleth/Isoline: Lines connecting equal values (contours, isotherms).
- Flow Map: Lines showing movement direction and magnitude.
4 Map Design Principles
- Visual Hierarchy: Most important features draw the eye first.
- Balance: Elements distributed evenly.
- Simplicity: Remove clutter. Every element serves a purpose.
- Contrast: Use colour/value differences to distinguish features.
- Harmony: Consistent fonts, colour scheme, style.
- Figure-ground: Main subject stands out from background.
Past Exam Questions
+What are the visual variables used in cartographic representation? (2074, 2076, 2079)
All 7: size, shape, hue, value, saturation, orientation, texture. Draw small examples. Mention which suit nominal, ordinal, quantitative.
+List and explain the essential elements of a good map. (2072, 2075, 2080, 2082)
Title, legend, scale bar, north arrow, frame, grid, source, inset. Draw a sample layout showing placement.
+Compare choropleth and graduated symbol maps. (2075 Bhadra, 2081)
Choropleth: shaded areas, ratio data. Graduated: sized symbols, absolute counts. Choropleth can mislead with area sizes (MAUP).
+What are the principles of effective map design? (2073, 2078)
Hierarchy, balance, simplicity, contrast, harmony, figure-ground. Brief example for each.