Definition of Map Elements

A map usually contains the following elements:

Title (and subtitle):
Usually draws attention by virtue of its dominant size; serves to focus attention on the primary content of the map. Should be an answer to "What? Where? When?".
Tips: Never underline a title (or a subtitle), and never put a colon after a title.

Legend:
The principal reference to the map symbols; subordinated to the title. However, this is still a key element for map reading; describing all unknown or unique map symbols used.
Tips:Only the word "Legend" should be written on your map (and not "Map Legend", or "Switzerland Legend", etc.).

Map Scale:
Provides the reader with important information regarding linear relations on the map. A scale can be numerical (for example 1:50000) or graphical.
Tips:The dimension and thickness of a graphical scale has to be adapted to the map content.

Credits:
Can include the map source, the author, indication of the reliability of accuracy of the map, dates, or other explanatory material.
Tips:Credits should always be written smallest as possible (but nevertheless readable) and be placed in a box without a frame.

Mapped Areas:
Objects, land, water, and other geographical features important to the purpose of the map.

Map Symbols:
Wide variety of forms and functions; the most important element of the map, along with the geographic areas rendered.

Place name and Labelling:
The chief means of communicating with maps; serve to orient the reader on the map and provide important information regarding its purpose.
Tips:Use the same font for the map frame, the map layout, and the map content.

North arrow:
According to the rules, each map should have a north arrow. But if the map is north oriented, or if the geographical co-ordinate are already on the map the north arrow can be omitted.
Tips:The north arrow must be well readable, but not be too dominant on the map.

Border and Neatlines:
Both optional; borders can serve to restrain eye movements. Neatlines are finer lines than borders, drawn inside them and often intra-parallelism, rendered as part of the graticule; used mostly for decoration.

Graticule:
Often omitted in maps today; should be included if the location information is crucial to the map purpose, e.g. into topographical maps.

In the following example, you can observe a map which, consists of the different map elements discussed.

Example of map elements presentation (Student work, ETH Zurich)

Since you know now all the elements that constitute a map, you have to learn how to arrange them.
On the following map, try to find out visually all the cartographic elements presented previously. This exercise is not evaluated.

Expo 02 : Map of Morat (Expo 02)