Step 3: Set-up the Map Parameters

The essence of cartography has to be considered here: the message which has to be understood by the map user is put in a graphical form. A full consideration of all cartographic criteria for this step is not possible; so we will only analyze the main and essential elements. So, in this step you have to think about the graphical aspect of the map: which elements do you want to present, in which graphical form? By taking into account time and data possibilities, the following criteria must be determined:

remark

REMARK:
The order of these criteria can be significant, so take this into consideration when determining your map parameters. In addition, like the other steps, you should still avoid the reader drawing an incorrect conclusion. For example, a hastily made map was used in the invasion of Grenada by USA (1983): a psychiatric hospital was bombed because of wrong information on these maps. The following right map shows an incorrect presentation of Grenada Island used in the lesson. Left shows the correct map presentation.
 Incorrect presentation of Grenada Island Incorrect presentation of Grenada Island (Monmonier 1996)

You have to produce a new map of the hiking paths in Switzerland. The appropriate data for the map are already collected, and the map format will be A0. Choose in which chronological order you will set-up the map parameters by draging and dropping them next to the chronological numbers.