Week 1: Bad Map and Good Map

Bad Map

The map seen above would be an example of a bad map.

First, the compass includes duplicate cardinal directions, displaying E (east) twice which is confusing and simply not possible. Secondly, there is no legend of any kind to convey information about the lines, black areas, and red area seen on the map. Also lacking is a scale, so we have no idea about the relative size of any of the features on the map. There's no title of any sort to inform a potential viewer as to what the map is about. The labels are lacking and at the same time confusing. If one is to assume this is a map of roads and areas, only one road is labeled (M25) while leaving all others blank. Area names are confusing because of their similarity to country names. This is either a strange coincidence in naming, or perhaps an intent to mislead or confuse.

We don't know anything about where in the world this map applies to or what kind of information it's trying to convey. The minimal amount of information provided only serves to further confuse a viewer.

Good Map

The above map of foreclosure/pre-foreclosure rates in the United States is an example of a good map.

It includes an informative title, telling us what the map is about (foreclosure/pre-foreclosure rates), during what time period (Q4 2008) and that the data is being shown as a percentage. A legend is present and is helpful in showing color coding--that red represents a percentage above that of the national average, and blue represents the opposite--with darker shades representing a greater percentage change. The colors used are similar enough to one another (shades of red or blue) but at the same time are distinct enough to be differentiated within the same color type. With that knowledge, one can tell at a glance which areas/states of the United States are experiencing higher or lower rates of foreclosure, and to what degree.

It's a simple and clear map but contains a wealth of information that can be gleaned once the presentation of the information is understood.