A route map depicting a path from one location to another is a powerful tool for visualizing and communicating directions. However, it can be difficult for a computer to automatically render route maps that meet the four design goals of effective route maps: readability, clarity, completeness, and convenience. Achieving all of these goals requires trade-offs. We survey the cartography, graphic design. and psychology literature for insight about these trade-offs. We then analyze several common route-mapping styles to demonstrate the variables in map design what information is included, the precision of that information. and the rendering style. This analysis illustrates that hand-drawn route maps are particularly effective. Finally, we describe in detail a design and implementation for computer-generated maps that mimics the style of hand-drawn route maps.
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