Cartographers design and create maps to communicate information about phenomena located somewhere
on our planet. In the past, cartographers did not worry too much about who was going to read their maps.
Although some simple “usability” research was done—like comparing whether circle or bar symbols worked
best—cartographers knew how to make maps. This has changed now, however, due to all kinds of societal
and technological developments. Today, map readers are more demanding—mostly because of the tools
they use to read maps. Cartographers, who are also influenced by these trends, are now more interested in
seeing if their products are efficient, effective, and appreciated.