If you fear making a map due to the critiques it might engender, think of it this way:
Is the opportunity cost of not making the map that you won’t steer people wrong…literally? Then it’s important to re-think the map data and concept. Maps with incorrect information that you have sufficient belief that people will rely on should not be published. All maps have some incorrect information so you would need to ascertain the severity of the incorrect information (is there a road that will lead drivers over a cliff?) as well as the quantity of the incorrect information and then make a subjective decision.
But, if the opportunity cost of not making the map is that you don’t embarrass yourself by putting something ugly or even maybe unusable out there, then still consider making the map. After all, you have to start somewhere. We all do. We’ve all made ugly maps and maps that nobody has used. Like the child who stops drawing after kindergarten, we mustn’t let our unfounded “lack of creative talent” become a blocker. Creative “talent” is borne of experience and trial and error, not innate capability.
#1 by Colocarto on November 18, 2014 - 2:58 pm
I remember a few things from my cartography education, and one of them was to always remember your audience when drafting up a map. If the intent is to ensure the limited target audience (i.e. a few people) is satisfied with the end product, then the opportunity cost will most lilkely be realized. Alternatively, If the map is designed for a critique session exclusively that will be viewed by many peers, the it would be prudent to adhere to the standards of modern cartographic principles, to generally save face!
I suppose we’re all allowed a few gaffes, but continued bad mapmaking skills will only make us all better.