Designing Google Maps Cartography System
Here is a fabulous article about the process that Google goes through to design the Google Maps cartography system.
To summarize the article (in my words):
- The understanding of location differs based on cultural norms, so no global standard can be used for cartography. Instead of standardizing, the way the audience interprets data needs to be understood.
- Linking icons to the signs used in the real-world assists with wayfinding: “This combination of global and local icons helps to make the map feel relevant and familiar to locals while being approachable and usable for tourists—allowing Google Maps to be internationally legible and approachable”
- The design process focuses on helping people to do the things they need to do (task completion). All design decisions go through this filter.
- The Google look-and-feel isn’t anything specific. Instead, “Googleyness” is based on the focus on the end-user’s tasks, and clarity of style.
Full Article:
http://www.core77.com/blog/case_study/google_maps_designing_the_modern_atlas_21486.asp
Source: Flowing Data
Tags: google
Uncategorized | Jason | 
January 10, 2012 10:47 am
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