What describes the balanced arrangement of map elements?

The term that describes the balanced arrangement of map elements is "Figure-Ground." This concept is fundamental in cartography and design, referring to the relationship between the visible elements on a map (the "figure") and the background against which they are viewed (the "ground"). Effective map design relies on a clear distinction between these elements, ensuring that features such as roads, rivers, and landmarks stand out against the background. A well-executed figure-ground relationship enhances readability and allows for intuitive interpretation of the map's content, enabling users to quickly understand the spatial relationships and hierarchies of the data being presented.

In the context of cartography, when map elements are properly balanced, they create an aesthetically pleasing composition that is not only visually engaging but also functional, guiding the viewer's eye to the map's key components without unnecessary clutter. This balance is crucial for effective communication of geographic information. Other terms such as typography, surface interpretation, and map scales relate to different aspects of map creation and interpretation but do not specifically address the balance of map elements in the same way that figure-ground does.