By: Amy Lee Walton
The design principle of density involves the finessing of both timing and intention in your map style. While map features may become available at a certain zoom level, features should not be styled based on availability. A well-designed map should reveal pertinent information at the correct time when the user can best comprehend it. In the video below you can see this idea in practice.
Achieving this balance depends on the amount of information shown (density) followed by the spatial distribution of information. While spatial distribution is typically defined by the map features themselves, you can ease the density by categorizing close-proximity objects with varying style or color. Be mindful to apply the principle or hierarchy to ensure that the user can discern the most important features first.
Interested in more tips like this? Take a look at our Guide to Map Design for our favorite tips and tricks for designing your best map. Tweet me @amyleew with #mapdesign if you have any other concepts you’d like me to explore!
Designing maps with density in mind was originally published in Points of interest on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.