LaHore City Map

Image Credit: http://pamirtours.pk/maps/lahore_city_map_1.gif

This is a brief critique of the map of the city of LaHore in Pakistan. Critiques are based on several different factors that are figure ground, balance, clarity, legibility, and visual hierarchy.

Figure Ground: There really is no figure ground distinction in this map. The map image encompasses the entirety of the image with the exception of the legend on the bottom.

Balance: This map is pretty well balanced for the most part. The inset map on the bottom left does attract attention and could be reduced to increase balance in the image.

Clarity: This map is basically a navigational map with streets and regions labeled. Overall clarity of those elements is decent although the graticule with coordinates makes the map less clear to me.

Legibility: Again, the graticule diminishes the overall legibility of the map. The labels are small as well which makes them hard to read.

Visual Hierarchy: The legend and title are appropriately set in different levels on this map which is good. I would like to see the map area reduced and softened around the edges to make it more visually appealing and that would emphasize different levels as well.

Disney’s Epcot Map

Image Credit: http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/epcot-map.jpg

This is a brief critique of the map of  Disney’s Epcot Center.  Critiques are based on several different factors that are figure ground, balance, clarity, legibility, and visual hierarchy.

Figure Ground: The figure in this map definitely contrasts well with the ground and looks great.

Balance: The placement of the map in the center of the image overall surrounded by the text on all sides does well for overall balance. Nothing in this image really reaches out and grabs the attention away from the map area, which is where the viewers should have their attention. I would change the black background on the bottom to a slightly lighter color however due to it being somewhat bold compared to the rest of the image.

Clarity: Overall with how much is going on in this map the clarity of the map is good. I find as a viewer I can easily distinguish between the different areas and features on the map.

Legibility: There is a ton of text on this map placed really close together which compromises legibility somewhat. To increase legibility I think the text can be reduced and the individual attractions can have a little bit less description to clean up the area surrounding the main map.

Visual Hierarchy: I think this map does well with hierarchy. The text is slightly emphasized with background color which makes the map visually appealing.

Canada, eh?

Image Credit: http://media.beta.photobucket.com/user/anagahan/media/Canada/Canada-map.jpg.html?filters[term]=cool%20map&filters[primary]=images#/user/cape6/media/ljkljkljkljljl.jpg.html?filters%5Bterm%5D=cool%20map&filters%5Bprimary%5D=images&_suid=135474579831508551248715639044

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.

Grand Theft Auto “Vice City” Map

Image Credit: http://media.gta-series.com/images/vcstories/maps/vcuniquestunts_falkaspargs.png

This is a brief critique of the map of the famous Vice City, which is the city in the popular video game Grand Theft Auto. Critiques are based on several different factors that are figure ground, balance, clarity, legibility, and visual hierarchy.

Figure Ground: This map I think does a poor job with contrasting between the ground and the more important map features. I think a lighter hue for a background color would be appropriate also with no design.

Balance: This map is fairly balanced for it encompasses the majority of the space. No feature really demands attention which is always pleasant to the eyes.

Clarity: This map’s clarity is greatly aided by the use of different colors for different regions of the city. There are some small labels on the map that could be increased in size to draw a little more attention to those areas.

Legibility: Overall legibility of the map is exceptional. There are no real problems being able to identify different features or labels.

Visual Hierarchy: Like I said before the background of this map needs to be softer. Also, I would like to see the text with a slightly different shade of the current color it is placed on. This could give the text a little more “pop” and make the map that much more visually appealing.

Knoxville Zoo Map

Image Credit: http://mappery.com/maps/Knoxville-Zoo-Map.jpg

This is a brief critique of the map for the Knoxville City Zoo. Critiques are based on several different factors that are figure ground, balance, clarity, legibility, and visual hierarchy.

Figure Ground: First impression of this map is that it’s main component greatly stands free of the background color. It definitely contrasts well and stands out.

Balance: Overall this map is pretty well balanced. No one part or picture grabs the attention which is great to see in a image that has so much information.

Clarity: The map is generally is pretty clear and simple. I would suggest removing some of the design in the green areas that really represent nothing  to clean up the map a bit.

Legibility: The map is definitely cluttered with many pictures and labels. I think a great deal of simplification and selection of the most important images to be included only on the map would serve well here.

Visual Hierarchy: This map correctly places emphasis through visual hierarchy. Images and things the legend on the right side are appropriately accented with color to make them stand out. I believe that some of the text could be placed on a slightly darker background to make them stand out a bit more.