mapmaking patterns

Computer monitors appear black before they are turned on. Once they start-up, the screen becomes filled with light, showing a picture of something and also showing a picture of the screen itself: the shape of the screen becomes part of the image.

When making a map to be displayed on the screen, focus attention to the elements of your map rather than the frame of the screen by making the background black or dark. Use bright, saturated colors for the most important elements of your map.