Relational Data Structures: A Rule-based Paradigm of Map Design

Abstract

When preparing a map’s design, this paper advocates the use of some type of data preprocessing. More specifcally, it recommends Rudolf Arnheim’s rule of order as it helps group the map’s data by ranks and associations. Once identifed, these categories can be subjected to rules of taxonomies and cognition to design corresponding hierarchical structures of symbols, colors, paterns and type styles, that mimic a person’s cognitive frameworks or frames of learned real-world information. Several examples of that kind of design are presented and explained. A practical demonstration of designing a relational and compound symbol system is given and discussed. To evaluate the fnished design, the use of a design matrix is proposed. Its unique ability to offer quick side by side inspections while allowing swif on the computer screen alterations and reevaluations, points out its ability to refne designs.