Uptown Waterloo

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Why we love it

This modern map uses classic cartographic techniques to emulate a hand-drawn historical survey plan. A familiar aesthetic makes the map immediately accessible and appealing. Though it looks dated, the map is made with current data and tools. We love how artistically the mapmaker employs symbol effects to create a balanced, approachable map that evokes the reality of the place. You get a sense of the city layout—its central business district, parks, residential areas, and thoroughfares. Engaging cartographic symbology allows the map to stand on its own with no need for a legend. 

Why it works

This map is effective because it doesn't try to do too much. Its beauty comes from detailed geographic data and subtle styling. The patterns of the city’s streets and buildings speak for themselves. Parks are filled with a variety of trees in profile. Note the drop shadowed roads, the water rings on the lake, and mellow highlighting of the central business district. Hatching and darker shading support the historical town style. A vignette surrounding the whole map implies that there are additional city outskirts, but the map doesn't compromise scale to try to show it all. 

Important steps

  • Add marker symbol layers to polygon symbols

    Draw tree, shrub, and grassy mound symbols in ink on paper. Scan and save as image files. Build a polygon symbol with multiple picture marker layers, one for each image. Adjust clipping, offset, step properties for random distribution. Apply the symbol to parks and open spaces.
    Bespoke tree sketches
    Work with marker symbol layers

  • Use watercolour fills to add subtle color

    Use watercolour symbols image to add color to the background. Make your own symbols from images of your art or download the watercolour style for ArcGIS Pro.
    Watercolor fills

  • Add waterlines to lakes

    Add some waterlines to the interior of lakes to give them a sense of depth.
    Work with waterlines

  • Add a vignette

    Add a vignette to the whole map to soften the edges while focusing the area of interest to the centre of the city.
    Steal these vignettes
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Requirements

  • Data

    City of Waterloo Open Data
    City of Waterloo Open Data

  • Analysis

    This map is the result of effective symbology applied directly to raw data.

  • Time

    It took 3 to 5 hours of set up and iteration, and 3 more hours for sketching custom-made images for symbols.
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Tips and tricks

  • Adjust marker placement properties

    When placing trees, shrubs and grass in polygon symbol, set marker placement to Fill the polygon with Random positioning. Set clipping to Do not clip or Remove if centre outside so images will overflow park edges. Vary value of Seed of picture marker layers.
    Marker placement properties

  • Use drop shadows

    Add interest and depth to the map by using the Move symbol effect to imply a drop shadow for buildings and roads.
    Symbol effects

  • Study historical plans

    Look at historical plans to get a sense of common fonts, capitalisation use, title wording and placement.
    David Rumsey Map Collection survey plans
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Resources

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Warren Davison, map author

Map Author

Warren Davison

GIS analyst by trade and geographer by training. I’m always trying to learn more about cartography skills and make better maps.

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