Describing Maps

Step 1: Identify the purpose of the map

How is the map being used in the brochure?

• Wayfinding (navigation to points of interest)
• Features/Informational (general overview of what is in the park)
• Historical (highlights past events or “how things used to look”)
• Ecological/Topographical (geological formations, water flow, flora and fauna, wildlife, ecosystems)

Step 2: Create a short description

Important Tip: The short version should pull together the overarching components of a map in less than a minute. Items to include in the short version:

• Title of map
• Purpose of map
• Overall location (location of the area represented by the map) and orientation (overall area or detailed close up of specific area)
• Size, shape and boundaries of the area represented by the map
• Tip:  If most people describe a park as looking like a particular object or unusual shape, it should be included in the description. Otherwise, general shapes that are well understood are best.
• General location of visitor’s center
• Any warnings of hazards or road closures that appear on the map
• Location of tactile map (if there is a tactile map available)

Step 3: Create a long description

Important Tip: The elements from the list below that you include in your description will depend on the purpose of the map you are describing. Describe only what actually appears on the map, but be sure to describe everything that appears on the map!

• Lead with the short version.
  • Title of map
  • Purpose of map
  • Overall location (where is the area represented by the map located) and orientation (overall area or detailed close up of specific area)
  • Size and shape of the area represented by the map
  • General location of visitor’s center
  • Location of tactile map (if there is a tactile map available)
• List the legend in detail (i.e., visitor’s center, trails, areas of interest, etc.)
• List amenities (by location, by category, or by both). Be sure to include accessibility information.
• Orientate the user to roadways or other main mode of travel such as walking, etc. that link Park entrances, visitor centers, or park points of interest.
  • Tip: Use compass points as primary means of orientation. Is also helpful to include other kinds of orientation (i.e. right/left, clock references) where possible in tandem. It is also important to indicate where the listener is assumed to be located in relation to the orientation description.
• List map highlights corresponding to legend by location or area (see tip regarding orientation above).
• Describe topographical regions (mountainous, water border, dessert, etc.)
• Some maps tell “stories.” Only describe the story if it is evident to a sighted person by looking at the map.
• Describe illustrations, photographs, representations of historical artifacts,  and other non-navigational graphics that may appear on the map as you would a similar type of image elsewhere in the brochure.
• Provide a comprehensive list of all map text and reference points.
  • Tip: Divide the map into quadrants, choose an orientation point within that quadrant, and list all text in a consistent pattern from that orientation point (i.e. clockwise from North to West)

Step 4: Create a navigation guide for the long description 

Important Tip: A navigation guide, or table of contents, of the long description will allow the user to easily access and better comprehend the map description.  Organize the navigation guide by the categories listed above for elements of a map description (i.e. short description, legend, amenities, orientation, etc.)