Map Reading Tasks Appropriate in Experimental Studies in Cartographic Communication

The rigorous evaluation of maps must be based upon map reading tasks that are appropriate to the map reading objective. Only by showing the links between purpose, map design and map reading will it ultimately be possible to establish standards of map design that are more than conventional and aesthetic. Distinctive and appropriate map reading tasks are required for navigation, measurement, visualization and the study of geographic covariation. Valid experimental conclusions can be obtained by asking the right questions and by testing hypotheses which are based upon the way in which map readers normally use maps.