Info Map Design Requirements

In addition to  the 10 absolutely required map elements , you also need to follow these map design requirements to create maps that are attractive, clear, and informative:

• Add the 10 required map elements. Again, these elements are the bare minimum information you need to include for your map to be complete.
• Zoom out to the fullest extent. You need to show all your data in the map body, so zoom out far enough that everything you want to show is visible.
• Have an informative title. Your title needs to include the subject of the map's data, the location shown, and the year the data was gathered.
• Add all map layers to the legend. Every symbol that appears on your map needs to be explained in the legend.
• Clean up your layer names. Use proper capitalization, spell out abbreviations, add spaces where necessary, and don't use underscores. Basically, if it would lose you points in an English paper, it will lose you points on your map.
• Minimize white space. If you have a large open area on your layout, try to rearrange the map elements to make better use of that space.
• Minimize overlap. Don't place map elements on top of the map body unless absolutely necessary. If you do, place them in a box with a solid fill, not with a transparent background.
• Check your final map before submitting. Your map may appear fine in the preview but lose an important part (such as the neatline) when you export it. Always look at the final map file to catch any errors.