Each line of the layout checklist contains what is referred to in this book as a “layoutelement”
or simply “element.” These elements include all the common ways of presenting
information on a map and its surrounding layout. Any element that is not on
the map itself is referred to in this book as a “margin element,” in reference to the
fact that the element is located on the periphery of the layout and not directly over
the map. The map itself is also an element of the layout. Since the first step in designing
a layout is to decide which elements will make the cut and appear on the final
map, I suggest going over this checklist to ensure that no element is overlooked. Any
element
that can lend additional informative support for the map ought to at least be
considered during this step.