A study of point symbol design for computer based large scale tourist mapping

This study examines the design of point symbols for tourist information on maps displayed on a CRT display within a public information system. The main aim was to investigate the effects of colour and size on the recognition of features. A further aim was to develop guidelines for the design of point symbols for such displays. A set of symbols were designed and subjected to preliminary comprehension tests. Test maps were developed and a wide range of users tested for search and recognition of the selected symbols. It was found that larger symbols performed better than medium symbols, which performed better smaller sized symbols. Black symbols were also found to perform better than red, green or blue symbols of the same size.