Each map or poster exists for a reason. It has some purpose—it may be trying to show the location of the city hall, what parcels are in the flood zone, or how to get from one location to another. The purpose of a map or layout defines the overall theme of that map. It also helps determine what content needs to be included. Some common map purposes include the following:
- To show the location of features
- To highlight specific attributes associated with features, such as zoning classification, population size, pipe material, or road type
- To show spatial relationships between features in one or more layers
- To present the results of the analysis
- To meet legal requirements, such as the official zoning map for a city
It is now easy to see how the purpose will be a factor in determining the content of your layout. If you are creating a zoning map, you will certainly need a map...