mapmaking patterns

Many different hues on a map can complicate reading. Most people can only hold seven or so “things” in working memory. People may see hues as different “things,” making a map with many different hues appear busy.

Consider developing a simple palette, using only a few hues and use figure-ground reversals along with size, shape, value, and texture to increase the map’s vocabulary. Many old highway maps used only red and blue (with or without black) to create a minimalist aesthetic.