1. Surround all of the elements with boxes. This includes the legend, north arrow, scale bar, title, inset map(s), and any descriptive text you may have. The more boxes the better because they give the layout structure. The average map reader can’t figure out on their own where the legend ends and the map begins, for example.
2. Ensure that the logos of all participating agencies and companies are placed prominently, preferably at the top, in a line. It’s okay if they are different sizes and shapes and colors. It’s okay if they clash with the rest of the map colors.
3. Only spend, at most, about 30 minutes designing the map. Any more time than this is wasted. Good design does not take time, it only takes talent.
4. Think a lot about what you want and need on the map rather than on what the map reader will want and need.
5. Make sure the background (hillshade or orthophoto, for example) is displayed fully saturated so that it can adequately compete with the other map layers.

April Fools!!!