especially if the map’s purpose is more for entertainment than for research or reference.
Research or reference maps of particular genres may also use supplementary graphics in certain circumstances. For example, maps of archeological sites, burial grounds, and landscape designs are some modern map varieties for which these kinds of graphics could enhance, rather than detract from, the overall map goal. In fact, if you can recognize that your subject matter is sufficiently unique, you can use graphics to create a commensurately unique-looking map product. Putting that level of thinking into a map product rather than simply making a map that looks exactly like all the other GIS layouts is a hallmark of advanced design skills. If, however, your work genre is of the standard GIS analysis or informative nature, then the professional will generally steer very clear from any ornamentation, as our modern mode dictates.
Best practices: Do not use ornamental graphics unless your subject matter warrants it or you want to confront the modern fashion of information-only output.
Placement: Graphics can basically be placed anywhere and everywhere on the map layout from a light background image, to hundreds of sketches placed around the edges, to one illustration in the margin.
Style: Graphics can have any style and level of importance the designer deems appropriate. There is much leeway here and a lot of opportunities to make your map unique.
A map number refers to the page number of a map that is contained within a printed map series. Map numbers are usually accompanied by a number signifying the total number of maps in the series. If your layout is part of a series, then it will be imperative that you include this information.
Placement: The map number element can be seen as similar in importance to the scale, author, and data source elements. It is usually placed in the margin along with those elements, but could also conceivably be placed higher in the element hierarchy if you wish to put it in large type in the upper-right or lower-left corner of the page. Adhering to the convention of placing it in one of those locations allows a researcher to flip through the series until the correct map number is located. Series-type maps usually also include a locator map. The map number and locator map are well suited for placement next to one another.
Style: Some examples of the way the map numbers are written include
•1 of 10 or 1 of 10
•First in a series of ten
•Map number 1 of 10
•Series #1:10
•Map 1 of 10