Available space
white space, necessary to have a good balance
Frameline
Encloses all other map elements
Neat line
crops map area
Mapped area
base information & thematic symbols, floating map = more map space, cropped map area = more realistic but challenging to arrange map elements
Inset
a. locating primary mapped area b. enlarging a congested area c. showing related themes or data
Title
Clear and simple
Legend
Clear and straightforward with easy-to-read numbers
Data source
Where data was obtained
Scale
Indicates how much reduction has taken place
Orientation
Shows North
Labels
Orients the reader on the map