Map symbolization entails a number of variables to produce visual, tactile, haptic, auditory, and dynamic displays. Visual variables (e.g., size, lightness, shape, hue) and graphic primitives (points, lines, areas) are commonly used in maps to represent various geographic features at all attribute measurement levels (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio). With those a single geographic feature can be represented by various graphic primitives (e.g., land surface as a set of elevation points, as contour lines, as hypsometric layers or tints, and as a hillshaded surface). The challenge is to use effective symbols for map features to ease the interpretation of maps.
Choose the best symbols for representing different attributes
Design icons suitable for mapping different elements
Interpret different symbols and icons in a map
Relate the spatial dimension and the weight of mapped features with the attributes they represent
Create an aesthetic map icon library
Completed (GI-N2K)