Map design and layout

3. Resource Constraints
The third set of constraints under which cartographers function is related to cartographic 
materials, instruments, time and finances. Design of a map and its quality is often determined 
by the training of the cartographer if computer mapping is attempted, and cartographic 
materials and instruments used in drawing if the map is drawn manually. Availability of time 
and finances also influences the design. A multicolour map is a costly proposition. If finances 
are limited, one will be forced to think
of a black and white map. Similarly, the time at the disposal of the cartographer influences 
the design.
SYMBOLIZATION 
Map itself is a symbol; it is a symbol of symbols. Symbols are like words. As the 
words giving same meanings differ from language to language, so also the symbols from map 
to map. Except for a few conventionalized symbols, a cartographer has far greater freedom. 
to develop symbols than a linguist has to create words. Words take the meaning given by its 
users. Symbols take their meaning given by the cartographers. When several words are put 
together in a definite order, we get a sentence. Similarly when several symbols are put 
together in a definite order, we get a map. Similarly, many sentences put together in a definite 

---

order make an essay. These orderly arranged symbols give a meaning which individual 
symbols fail to give in the same way as orderly arranged sentences convey a definite message 
which individual sentences cannot. Symbolization and the arrangement of the symbols in a 
map are, therefore, crucial processes in map design. No book can be popular if the choice of 
words and sentences is bad. So also no map can be popular if the choice of symbols is bad. 
Symbols are of three types:
1. Point symbols, 
 2. Line symbols, and
3. Area symbols.