In order to give an overview of how a seasoned professional would create a layout,
let’s continue with the example of the all‑too‑hasty GISer who made a great map
only to ultimately undermine that effort by not considering the layout. Once it is
printed, perhaps it looks so terrible that the GISer decides to get out this book and
follow the methods found here. So, to begin, she adds a title to the map after consid‑
ering that her audience will need a quick introduction to the map that can be read in
five seconds or less. She chooses a title that succinctly explains the subject of the map
without using jargon. She then realizes that the scale bar and north arrow are fine but
that some text to document the data sources, author, and date ought to be included.
Finally, after looking through the layout checklist, she is reminded of the need for
an inset map that shows the study area’s location in a broader context for those who
aren’t already familiar with it.