Elementos de un mapa

A map can have many different elements, each with a specific function that helps the audience understand the map. Deciding which elements to include is an essential part of map design. 

The main elements of a map are:

• Map body — the most important element on a map, the map body shows the data you have mapped for an area of interest. A map may contain one or more map bodies.



• Legend — explains the symbology used in the map body. Without a legend, the map's audience may not understand what the symbols mean.



• Title — conveys the map's subject to the audience.



• Scale — the map scale can be numeric (1:10,000), verbal (1 inch equals 10,000 inches), or graphic (a scale bar). Using the scale, the map reader can measure distances between features, the length of features, or the area of a shape in the map.



• North arrow — shows a map's orientation (how the features in the map relate to north). Most maps tend to be oriented so that north faces the top of the page. Depending on the map projection, using a grid or a graticule may be more appropriate than using a north arrow.


In some maps, such as nautical charts or other maps used for navigation, you may need to provide additional orientation information, such as a detailed compass rose or the direction of both true and magnetic north.


• Inset map — shows how the area of interest shown in the main map body is related to a larger area. An inset map is particularly helpful when the map body is zoomed in on a region and the audience may not be familiar with the area of interest.

Other elements can be added to a map to help the audience understand its message and decide how to use the map, as well as to enhance the map's visual appeal. Some of these elements are:

• Sources of the data shown in the map
• Map projection, which can help the audience determine the accuracy of measurements they make on the map
• Name of the map creator or organization
• Date of publication
• Informative text about the map's subject or purpose
• A graph, table, or report based on the data in the map
• A neatline (graphic border) that helps to group the map elements together
• Internal borders that categorize or rank the map elements
• Images, such as a company logo or an aerial photo

This map includes several elements to help the audience understand the map's message.
Este mapa incluye varios elementos que ayuda a la audiencia a entender el mensaje del mapa