Module 1: Map Design & Typography

 

Making a Busy Map Readable: Labeling Mexico’s Geography

For Parts 4 and 5 of this assignment, the goal was to move beyond simply displaying data and focus on how map design choices affect readability, especially as more features and labels are added. The project started with a simple map of Mexico and its major rivers, then expanded to include states and cities, which made labeling strategy much more important.

Part 4: Starting Simple

In Part 4, the map focused on Mexico’s national boundary and major rivers. Rivers were symbolized using a standard blue line style and labeled dynamically so the text followed the curves of the rivers. Using italic text and halos helped keep river names readable against different background colors. Because the map was relatively simple at this stage, river labels were allowed to repeat along long features and remain visually prominent.

Part 5: Adding More Without Adding Clutter

Part 5 made the map more complex by adding states and cities. To prevent the map from becoming overwhelming, I created a clear labeling hierarchy. Mexico City was treated as the most important label, with its own label class, larger text, and higher priority so it would always appear. Rivers were still labeled, but their labels were toned down slightly with smaller text and more muted colors so they didn’t compete with city labels. State labels were given the lowest priority and subtle styling, which allowed them to appear only when there was enough space.

To manage conflicts between labels, I relied on ArcGIS Pro’s dynamic labeling tools, especially label priorities and weights. This made it possible to let important labels (like cities) override less important ones (like rivers or states) when space was limited. I also accepted that not every label could be placed, which helped maintain overall clarity.

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How I Applied the Five Map Design Principles

Visual Hierarchy
The map was designed so viewers see the most important information first. Mexico City stands out the most, followed by rivers and then states, using differences in size, font style, and priority.

Contrast
Contrast was created through color choices and text styling. Rivers use blue tones, states are kept neutral, and city labels are darker and more prominent. Halos further separate text from the background.

Balance
As more data was added, balance became more important. Reducing the visual weight of rivers and states helped keep the map from feeling crowded or top-heavy.

Legibility
Legibility guided nearly every decision. Font size, italics, halos, and placement rules were adjusted to make labels readable without overlapping excessively or distracting from other features.

Simplicity
Instead of trying to show everything, the map favors simplicity. Lower-priority labels are allowed to drop out when space is tight, which keeps the map clear and easy to understand.