Maps are the primary tools by which spatial relationships and geographic data are visualized. Maps therefore become important documents.
+There are several key elements that should be included each time a map is created in order to aid the viewer in understanding the communications of that map and to document the source of the geographic information used.
+Numbered below are descriptions of cartographic elements that are commonly found on a map layout. Some maps have all eight elements while other maps may only contain a few of them.
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