Readability Rules

Rules for Improved Readability

Rules for the readability in cartography are comparable to the rules improving a text’s comprehensibility: An excellent diction and expression can be incomprehensible within an abstract if the pronunciation is incorrect. In contrast, a very bad text can be pronounced perfectly by an excellent speaker, in conditions of comprehensibility. So to speak, a good perception of the map content completely depends on its readability. By taking the following points into account, you will be able to create readable maps:

• Make use of the global readability rules, which are presented in this unit.

• Apply the cognitions of graphic semiology, set up by Jaques Bertin, a french Cartographer, which are presented in this unit.

• Try to create good quality graphics by continuously having the following catchwords in mind: neatness, suitable choice of colours and how can a good technique for a print product be achieved.

In this learning unit, you will learn the most important readability rules, beginning by giving a general overview of graphic semiology as far as pointing out some basic, special, outstanding rules. Necessary prerequisites are knowledge about colours and typography. This content was dealt within the previous units, where you may need to have a look first to get the new aspects in the right sense. This learning unit will introduce you to general readability rules.

Necessary prerequisites are knowledge about colours and typography. This content was dealt within the previous units where you may need to have a look first to get the new aspects in the right sense.