Activity Goal
To identify the meaning of type on any map.
Materials Needed:
None. No exercises included.
Lesson
Characteristics of Type
Type can be shown in many different ways to help make it different from other type. Some of the type differences are shown here;
Type Fonts
The way in which these differences can be combined into a unique "look" is called a font. Mapmakers use many fonts on a map to help identify different features. The way fonts are used effects the overall appearance of the map. Examples of different fonts are;
Different characteristics of type could be arranged on a map similar to this;
A quick way to become familiar with how type is used on a map is to look at an area you know, such as the United States. As an example, notice how United States appears on the world map. Though small countries will have smaller type, all countries should have the same style of country type; black, straight and bold letters shown in capitals. Check out the "look" of cities, capitals, rivers, mountains, and other features.