What should you know before creating a map?

Understanding the point of the map or product is crucial before creating a map because it defines the primary objective and focuses the design and content accordingly. The map’s purpose influences various aspects such as the type of data to be included, the level of detail required, and the overall message or information the map is intended to convey. Whether the goal is to inform, educate, analyze, or persuade will shape the aesthetic and functional decisions throughout the map-making process, ensuring that the final product effectively communicates with its intended audience. Knowing the aim behind the map helps in selecting appropriate symbols, labels, and even colors, resulting in a more impactful and relevant map.

While aspects like scale, software, and the audience's educational background are also important to consider, they ultimately serve to support the central point or idea the map is communicating. The clarity of the message derived from understanding the map’s purpose is what makes it successful in achieving its goal.