Legenda i zasady gestaltyzmu w graficznym projektowaniu treści mapy

Treścią artykułu jest określenie roli legendy w graficznym projektowaniu mapy z uwzględnieniem zasad gestaltyzmu. Zaproponowano schemat projektowania znaków kartograficznych na przykładzie legendy i fragmentu mapy.

The aim of the article is to discuss the role of legend in the graphic design of maps according to gestalt rules. Cartographers and map users face the problem of dual perception of maps. On the one hand they are perceived as a consistent graphic form and on the other as a picture composed of many elements, which are often perceived separately. Especially in the case of thematic maps the process is complex, because elements of thematic contents are visually preferred over base contents. Fig. 1 presents a suggested sequence of steps during the process of map design. The aim of these 8 steps is to provide legend signs with appropriate graphic attributes according to gestalt rules: 1. Grouping of signs according to thematic and base contents, using a horizontal setup of signs in the legend. 2. Initial preparation of graphic signs in the legend - project of visual variables for each sign. 3. Graphic design of the elements of map contents which are not present in the legend, e.g. lettering, background. 4. Selection of vital map fragments, e.g. those with large areas of dense thematic or base contents, or with many names. 5. Application of initial graphic parameters on selected vital areas. 6. Analysis of visual variables of signs according to gestalt rules (basing on a comparison of horizontal sign setup and the visualization of map fragments). 7. Verification of graphic parameters of signs in the legend and other signs used on the map. 8. Horizontal setup of elements of map contents after the verification of graphic parameters (the final graphic version of all the signs and lettering on the map). The above scheme was applied to design signs for a tourist map. The evolution of graphic parameters can be observed in legend signs (fig. 2-5) and map fragments (fig. 6-8). The graphic form of all the signs should be checked, preferably at an early stage of map elaboration, by verifying how they work on selected, 'vital' map fragments. Application of gestalt rules in the process of map elaboration can also significantly influence the design of particular signs.