ABSTRACT
Spatial features are characterized by their locations and attributes. Data display involves choice of symbols to show attribute data at the locations of spatial features. Cartographers consider symbol types and visual variables for choice of symbols. Symbol types correspond to feature types: point symbols for point features, line symbols for line features, and area symbols for area features. Visual variables, which include color, size, texture, shape, and pattern, distinguish between symbols and communicate data characteristics to the viewer.
