Abstract

Asking the Right Questions: The Cartographic Interview Process
Track: Cartography and Map Production
Authors: Vanessa Bauman

If map design is guided first and foremost by its intended purpose, how can the cartographer dig deeper and thoroughly answer the broad question, "What is the purpose of this map?" Asking better questions during a pre-design interview with the client-before ArcMap is even opened-will give the cartographer the insight needed to get closer to a perfect map the first time. The advantage of having detailed, meaningful information at the outset is extremely significant. It guides critical design decisions and GIS software choices, and it streamlines the overall map production process. The result? Maps with a clear message, maps that are easy to read and user-friendly, maps that are attractive, engaging, consistent with other presentation materials-and maps that are produced using a more efficient and cost-effective design process. This presentation outlines the cartographic pre-design interview process.