mapmaking patterns

The map reader sees signs as visual stimuli and they also interpret signs as standing for something. Many map symbols involve two or more kinds of signs that are supposed to be working together (i.e., a geometric shape and a text label). If the visual stimuli don’t look similar, it will be distracting to the reader.

Help the reader associate symbols from two different systems by associating the visual variables of each. For example, use the same hue to associate line and label. Balance the weights of lines and fills used in two or more systems. For example, the type’s weight should associate with the weight of the line or point.