Just as coarse static on a radio station interferes with a listener's ability to discern the music being played, so do coarse visual background patterns interfere with a map reader's ability to read words on a map. This problem is especially prevalent when small budgets limit the cartographer to the use of commercially available, pre-printed areal patterns for black and white reproduction. This study investigates the effects of dot arrangement and dot density of two purchased, areal dot patterns, type size, type orientation, and letter case on word reading accuracy when words and dot patterns are viewed simultaneously. The emphasis of the study was on dot arrangement, comparing the readability of words presented with a controlled "geometric" dot arrangement and then with an experimental "scallop" dot arrangement. The remaining variables, included to simulate an actual map situation, were also analyzed. The primary null hypothesis, that dot arrangement does not make a significant differance in word reading accuracy regardless of dot density, type size, type orientation, and letter case, was rejected on the basis of the analysis results.

Typescript. / Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1986. / Bibliography: leaves 370-375. / Photocopy. / xiv, 375 leaves bound maps 29 cm

This study examines whether the use of pictorial signs as cartographic symbols are aids for map users in the comprehension of intended referent meaning. A history of the development and use of pictorial signs as cartographic symbols is traced from the origins of international highway signage to the Pictorial Sign/Symbol system of the National Park Service. The theoretical basis for examining qualitative symbolism in cartography is outlined as are the methodological evolution of the study and principles of symbol design. The NPS signs are tested in and out of a map environment to determine communication effectiveness. Results indicate that the NPS signs perform well as cartographic symbols for American college students and that map legends are used when provided. It is suggested that future testing of pictorial symbology might use semiotic and psychophysical research approaches to examine other coexisting symbol systems and discover more specific design principles for pictorial symbols. / Master of Science