1.2.2. Layout

In the former unit we introduced how to define the content of an interactive map with a given topic. Now we have to define the ideal arrangement of the elements on the screen.

According to (Hurni 2005), there are several aspects which have to be considered when planning a layout for a map:

• Relevant aspects should have the major weight in the visualisation
• Hierarchical arrangement of text (Title, Subtitle, etc.)
• Strive for groups of elements
• Avoid congestion of the screen

Have a look at the following interaction part where you find some good and some bad examples in contrast.

We will not go into further details of creating the layout of an application, because this theory will be presented in the lesson "Layout and Graphical User Interface". But if you are interested in more layout principles, especially for analogue maps, have a look at the GITTA lesson "Definition and Organisation of Map Elements".