Geo-Information

E8: Map Design

Warm Up

History of Maps

Maps are as old as civilization itself — they helped early humans navigate the land, organize society, and make sense of the unknown.

The oldest known world map (Babylonian, ~6th century BCE) was etched on clay, showing a stylized world with Babylon at its center.
Ancient Greek scholars like Ptolemy introduced concepts such as latitude, longitude, and map projections.
In medieval Europe, T and O maps placed Jerusalem at the center, blending geography with theology.

How Were Ancient Maps Made?

Before satellites and GPS, mapmakers relied on:

Direct observation: using landmarks, sun position, and time to estimate distances.
Compass & pacing: early land surveyors walked and recorded angles using simple tools.
Dead reckoning on ships: estimating position from speed and direction.
Triangulation: from the 17th century onward, measuring distances via angles from known points.

Many early maps were symbolic, not literal — prioritizing cultural or religious meaning over geometric precision. ```{figure} ../images/ex8/ancient_map.jpg — name: ancient-map — Map of ancient world

### Interesting Facts about Subway Maps

Have you ever noticed that subway or metro maps often use **only horizontal, vertical, or 45° diagonal lines**?

This is no accident. The trend was popularized by **Harry Beck’s 1933 London Underground map**, which:
- Abandoned geographical accuracy
- Focused on **clarity and simplicity**
- Aligned all lines to a **grid of 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°** for visual ease
- Used **equal station spacing** to reduce clutter

This style became so successful that it’s now the **universal design language** for transit maps worldwide.
```{figure} ../images/ex8/london_metro.png
The iconic Tube map of London

```{figure} ../images/ex8/real_london.jpg Real geography map of London Underground

## Task
### Descriptions
In this exercise, your job is to create a well-designed **site map** of the TUM campus area. Step-by-step guide in {download}`Lesson 8 <../doc/Portfolio.docx>`

& You can [Click here to look](/Geo-Information/content/lessons/portfolio.html)

#### Data
- `Data Students.gdb`
- `orthophoto.tif`

### Overview
```{note}
:class: dropdown
- [ ] **Edit Public Transport Points**  
  - Add missing tram stops and correct bus stop symbols.  
- [ ] **Labelling**  
  - Add and style labels for bus stops, museums, streets using halo, font style, and size.  
- [ ] **Adjust Label Priorities**  
  - Avoid overlaps by setting feature/label weights and rules.  
- [ ] **Map Layout (A3 size)**  
  - Insert guides, main map frame, inset map, and define extent.  
- [ ] **Add Map Elements**  
  - Title, legend, north arrow, scale bar, and grid.  
- [ ] **Design & Symbology**  
  - Refine appearance, hierarchy, and layout logic.  
- [ ] **Export**  
  - Save and export your final layout as PDF (A3, 240 dpi).  

Edit data layers (e.g., correcting names, symbols, labels)
Apply visual hierarchy and symbology
Build a map layout in A3 format (portrait or landscape)
Add map elements (title, legend, inset, scale bar, north arrow)
Export the final design as a high-resolution PDF

Geo-Information

E8: Map Design

Warm Up

History of Maps

How Were Ancient Maps Made?

Materials