Introduction

An important aspect of map design is data symbology. For a final cartographic product, cartographers must classify, generalize, and symbolize different spatial data. A map reader should be able to recognize the symbols used by cartographers, and analyze and understand the reality represented in the final map.

Symbols can vary in graphic characteristics in order to express differences, hierarchy, and importance of the represented features from a qualitative or quantitative point of view. Choosing the right size, color, shape, or position (center or offset) for a symbol is crucial for the final message of the map.

In this chapter, you will learn how to create and store a set of customized symbols, and draw rules in your maps using Style Manager and Representations. You will also apply the proportional symbology according to quantitative values of the attribute value.