ABSTRACT
The keyword that needs to be highlighted in the previous paragraph is default-as in basic, nonspecialized, even simplistic. There is nothing inherently wrong with someone who is untrained in map design creating a Web map of all the places he or she has been in Arkansas using default thumbtack symbols. Not everyone has the time or inclination to learn Web mapping software, much less read about effective Web map design. However, assuming you are reading this book because you want to design good intuitive Web maps, it is probably wise to start thinking of default map symbols as nothing more than temporary placeholders.
