Landscape Preference and Map Readability in Design Evaluation of Topographic Maps with an Orthoimage Background

Abstract

Orthoimagery and shaded relief are ways of introducing realism to maps, but each method presents design challenges in achieving consistently readable combinations with overlaid vector symbols and labels. Two studies were conducted to compare the readability of the current United States Geological Survey (USGS) ‘US Topo’ map series with two original designs incorporating orthoimagery and shaded relief. The studies examined reader design ratings after completing tasks that required analytical use of maps with varied map designs, using maps of diverse locations in the USA. The studies indicated that readability varied with map location to a greater degree than with map design, though design influence on ratings was detected in interaction with location. This variation with landscape is discussed from the perspective of recent theory in landscape aesthetics and preferences. Also, it was statistically demonstrated that either of the two new designs had improved readability over the existing US Topo. These studies reveal that user evaluations of maps are dependent on landscape preferences as well as on design, and demonstrate the importance of national topographic map design evaluation across a wide sample of national landscapes.

Keywords:

• readability
• cartographic design
• topographic mapping
• orthoimagery
• relief shading
• landscape preference
• realism

Acknowledgements

We thank Andrew Stauffer for assistance on test graphics and data preparation. Barbara Buttenfield collaborated on map design B. This research was funded by the National Geospatial Program (NGP), grant number G10AC00518, and Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS), grant number 06HQAG0131, of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) through the Department of Interior Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), and the Gould Center in the Department of Geography at Penn State supported our work with computing and facilities. Michael Cooley initiated the orthoimage design project and the USGS Cartographic Governance Board provided useful evaluations. We appreciate the support of E. Lynn Usery, Director of CEGIS.