We’ve talked before about label placement but here I wanted to present a map with many label placement tips all on the same image. This map is only loosely based on real geography and is meant for educational purposes. It is shareable under the creative commons license CC BY.
Let me know if there is anything you’d like added or if you disagree with any of the placements. We all know there is room for ambiguity in label placement rules. We also know that try as we might, geography will sometimes get in the way of our best label placing intentions.
#1 by Patrick on April 5, 2013 - 6:04 am
I would like to add to the note, “Don’t Cross Features,” that I think it is fine cross features when necessary. But I would recommend creating a box or halo beneath the text that matches the color of the features behind the text.
In this case, it would be a light gray.
#2 by Nathan on April 5, 2013 - 10:00 am
Is it advisable to have the title among the focus features like this? I actually counted and it was the 22nd thing I noticed. It’s the stream at the top left corner that guided me like a trail map would. Anyone else with a similar experience?
#3 by Gretchen on April 5, 2013 - 11:02 am
@Nathan That was bothering me too. I’ve updated the graphic with the title moved to the traditional spot.
@Patrick Exactly. That’s what the label that says “Cross Features With Halo Matching Background” was supposed to be pointing out.
#4 by Aramis on April 11, 2013 - 1:23 pm
Noting that town labels are routinely placed left, right or under the dot, but not so often above… the “avoid labeling under” should be “avoid labeling rivers and roads under.”
Mention should also be made of size…
Also, you used, but didn’t mention, italics for river labels.