Placement: In most cases, the map element or elements will consume the majority of the layout space. When there is a hierarchy of maps on the same layout, there should be no doubt as to which is the main map. It is either set apart in size or position, or most effectively, both. When just one map is desired, it is placed in a central but slightly off-center location on a static layout. An interactive, digital map layout looks fine when the map is central. Multiple, static, time series maps that are all the same size and shape function similarly to a single large map in terms of layout placement. Do you have to conform to these conventions? Not necessarily, but make sure you have good reason for your decision. For example, there are layouts that contain a centered map with logos or pictures surrounding it on all sides, such as city tourist maps that are distributed for free. These maps often showcase advertisements around the map on all sides. Because the advertising is very important on that type of layout, the placement can be acceptable, but on most analytical and informational layouts, surrounding the map with an equal amount of margin information on all sides results in an undesirable amount of clutter and lends itself to confusion as to the main focus of the layout.