Map readability and usability for emergency response: Theory and Practice

This paper discusses map design principles in GIS cartography for use in emergency response. Effective map making relies on sound visual organization of map elements like a title, a legend, a scale and other information. A good map should convey a clear message, by managing foreground and background information, employing visual hierarchies conveyed through correct label placement, font type, size and spacing, and finally through the systematic use of visual variables like colour hue, colour lightness and colour saturation. Finally quantifying map readability would aid GIS cartographers deliver more effective messages to the emergency response community.JRC.DG.G.2-Global security and crisis managemen