Designing a map is to set the shape and overall appearance of maps that include the size of the sheet, the contents of maps, and information edge. The contents of the map depending on the elements, data, and information diperukan according to the title or theme of the map, while the size of the map sheet and presentation / layout of edge information, emphasized in terms of uniformity and balance in appearance. Therefore, the role and ability of a map designer must have a high perception in interpreting the data and information that will be presented.
In designing a map, there are three main problems are interrelated, namely the size and distribution of sheet maps, map content and layout of edge information.
1) The size and distribution of map sheet.
The length and width of the map which is measured from the edge perpendicular to each other, arranged so as not to exceed the size of 60 cm x 80 cm (advance map 60 cm x 60 cm and 60 cm edge information x 20 cm). The division of the map sheet in order to pay attention to the conditions set, the size (drawing materials, paper, and printing equipment), ease of depiction and safe way.
Size and sheet map must pay attention to the mapped region as a whole for example limited by geographical coordinates, shaped island, provincial boundaries, or other limits may be made into sheets of maps since the paper size is insufficient and thus the division of map sheets can be made in serial or groups , Map series is a map made sequentially and covers a very wide area. Map of the group is a map made specifically for a particular territory and no relation to the surrounding area.
2) Fill Map.
There are three things that must be considered in making the contents of the map, namely:
- Designing the contents of maps, especially thematic maps must consider several things including: the base map used is a base map that has been set and clear the source; map content should be relevant to the theme of information and maps to be created; elements on the base map does not have to be drawn or copied all or no generalizations.
- Generalization is the election, simplification and elimination of nsur dri-ingredient is not required. In generalizing, to consider the following matters: the map created is so that no complicated and reduces the workload; if done to excess will result in information becomes unclear; restrictions regarding the selection of the elements that will be described for each type of map is not necessarily the same. Symbols should be tailored to the characteristics of the information. Given the extent of the activity of making maps then these symbols sometimes can not meet the needs. Specifically symbols can be made according to the needs, but must pay attention not to the symbol made happen exhibit similarities, so that it will give rise to misinterpretation. This symbol is very complex problem and can not possibly be explained in detail.
3) The layout of the edge information.
In preparing the layout of the edge to note the following information:
- Sometimes a lot of room, so in the list and placing it must consider the vast space available, the form and terms mapped area yan beauty.
- Selection of the type and size of fonts, spacing and placement of any kind of information needs to be organized properly, so that the appearance of a map showing the balance, harmony and add clarity to the edge of the information presented.
4) Writing the name
Writing of the name must be in accordance with the elements described in a map sheet should show in terms of neatness, regularity and readability. Rules in writing of the name and its placement is as follows:
- Writing elements of nature such as rivers, mountains, islands, sea and others (dot height and contour prices) are in italics, while the artificial elements such as the name of the city / settlement is written with letters upright
- Residential elements, such as the capital of the State, province, county, district and township, written parallel to the lower edge of the map or parallel geometric framework (grid lines, parallel and meridian); if it is not possible in parallel then written clockwise.
- Linear shaped elements / compounds such as the name of the river, the name of the sea, strait, limits, etc., the writing should follow the shape of the element and when the elements long enough then repeated at certain distances.
- Figures height of the contour lines, placed in the gap between the contour line and if the figure is reversed from the direction of the reader then moved to the other side so as to facilitate the reading.
- Laying the names should be free and do not intersect with symbols or with each other, but not inevitable, for it should be made the distance (spacing) is clear.
For instructions forestry map presentation can be seen in more detail in the Technical Instructions map depiction and presentation of Forestry in 2012 as attached.