What design element ensures that features on a map are easy to distinguish?

Visual contrast is a crucial design element in cartography, as it facilitates the differentiation of features on a map. When features exhibit strong contrasts in terms of color, size, shape, or texture, they become more discernible to the map reader. High visual contrast ensures that objects stand out against their background and among each other, enhancing readability and comprehension.

For example, using a bright color for a highway against a muted background can help it stand out, allowing viewers to navigate the map more easily. Similarly, varying line weights can help differentiate roads from rivers and political boundaries. The use of contrast plays a significant role in guiding the user’s attention to important map features, making it clear what is being represented.

The other elements such as figure-ground, hierarchy, and pattern contribute to the overall effectiveness of a map but do not specifically focus solely on distinguishing features in the way that visual contrast does. Figure-ground relates to the relationship between the foreground and background, hierarchy pertains to the organization and prioritization of features, and pattern deals with the repetition and arrangement of elements within a specific space. While all these elements are important in map design, visual contrast is the most direct answer to the question about ensuring features on a map are easily distinguishable.