Maps are an inherently visual medium. Every element of a map, from its topic and data to its shape, fonts, basemap, scale bars, and more, reflects the aesthetic decisions its creators made. Most of the time, creators will use standards and templates to focus on the data the map conveys. But creators can also lean into the artistry of maps to intentionally evoke a certain feeling or mood to supplement a map’s subject.
This interactive map from Esri is a great example of how styling and creative choices can enhance a map. While the subject is endemic species and where they can be found, the map’s visuals (and August publication date) create a back-to-school vibe.
The opening graphic sets the tone with a collage of the 10 species featured in the map. It’s undeniably playful and whimsical. The images evoke scrapbooking, with torn edges and pictures that appear to be cut out from some other medium. The addition of construction paper and graph paper swatches feels more like a diorama in a school fair than an interactive map. Titles and headers use a font that looks like handwritten permanent marker, furthering the theme.
And then there’s the map itself. It doesn’t use a standard basemap designed to spotlight the subject or just provide geospatial context. Instead, the basemap is creased, with folds creating shadows and highlights. It’s as if the map was crumpled in someone’s backpack before they smoothed it out to a flat surface. As you scroll through, the map highlights collaged graphics for each species. You can even see “clear tape” fastening the cut-out images of each animal together with pictures of its habitat, along with squiggles and other doodles.
The map’s whimsy helps draw you into the subject. It turns a tour of these 10 species and their limited habitat ranges into an engaging expedition.
More to Explore
- Browse more creative styles for maps.
- Discover stylized maps about bird migration and map turtles.
