Maps are also “figures,” so be sure to read the Formatting > Figures section for information on output requirements and other things to consider.
This section deals with maps we generate. If you’re repurposing a map from another publication, then treat it like any other figure. For assistance with generating maps, please contact Mapping.Requests@aer.ca.
The preferred output file format for maps is a vector PDF.
For small maps, always show the closest city centre. On larger maps, show one of the following combinations at least:
Edmonton and Calgary
Edmonton, Calgary, Fort McMurray, and Red Deer
Edmonton, Calgary, Fort McMurray, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Athabasca, Peace River, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat
The legend should appear in the bottom left of the image.
Omit the word legend in the legend.
The legend should at least contain the map’s title and a description of symbols used. It’s also common to include our logo, but if for some reason that’s not possible, our name must appear at the bottom of the image, before and aligned with any Source line.
Ensure the map title is consistent with the map content. If the map shows time-dependent measurements like earthquake occurrences, water samples, etc., the timeframe should be referenced in the title.
Use title case for the map title. All other text strings (including the legend labels) should be in sentence case.
Ensure that any units of measure related to the map’s theme are identified.
Include a scale bar except on very small maps. Do not include a scale ratio. The units metres and kilometres are abbreviated and should be placed to the right of the bar, not centred above or below the bar.
Include geographic coordinates of some type (latitude-longitude, UTM, township-range). There is no need to include a north arrow.
If you use GIS or imagery data, the data source must be cited.