Designing Better Maps

Learn from the best to create successful maps using any GIS or illustration product with Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users, third edition, written by an expert cartographer.

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Learn from the best with this popular book on creating successful maps with any GIS or illustration product, written by an expert cartographer.

For more than 18 years, Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users has been essential reading for all mapmakers who use geographic information system (GIS) technology across industries and sectors, including government, commercial, creative, and education. This third edition continues the reliable legacy of this book, distinctive in its clear and efficient emphasis on core cartographic concepts and updated with new and revamped design practices.

With more than 400 full-color illustrations, this book applies map design best practices to both reference and statistical mapping, guiding you through the following processes:



Planning maps
Using basemaps
Using scale and time
Explaining maps
Publishing and sharing maps
Applying type and labels
Understanding and using color
Customizing symbols

Award-winning author Cynthia A. Brewer uses her sophisticated mix of experiences—conducting academic research, teaching novice cartographers, mentoring advanced students on research and mapmaking, and collaborating with analysts and mapmakers at various federal agencies—to present this practical information. In 2023, she was awarded the International Cartographic Society's highest honor, the Carl Mannerfelt Gold Medal, for distinguished contributions to her field.

Whether you face the challenge of making well-designed maps or are already adept at GIS data management and analysis but need better ways to visually communicate spatial information and results, Designing Better Maps will help you learn how to use GIS tools to design provocative and accessible maps.