This is a brief critique of a map of Canada. Critiques are based on several different factors that are figure ground, balance, clarity, legibility, and visual hierarchy.
Figure Ground: Overall the map in contrast with the water as the ground really stands out and looks exceptional. I might even be intrigued to lighten the color of the bodies of water even more to really make the figure stand out.
Balance: I think that this map is very evenly distributed throughout the entirety of the graphic. The map is a little light in the upper left hand area but not a great cause for concern.
Clarity: For me clarity is an issue with so much going on and all the graphics are very close together. I do understand that this map is not exactly for navigation and the illustrations all over are a part of the idea that the illustrator is going for, but I feel like every time I look at this map I find something that is buried by the larger illustrations surrounding it.
Legibility: When this map was created, it was obvious the legibility of labels was not a huge concern although they are not terribly hard to read (despite being in French). I would like to see a contrasting color behind the labels or some sort of border/underline to make them stand out.
Visual Hierarchy: Not a ton of separation of levels on this map at all. It appears that everything besides the water and land features are all piled on one level. Overall I don’ t think it is very impressive.