Comic Sans, Arial, Calibri, Papyrus…does it matter which fonts you use in your map? Fonts—typefaces—have a powerful impact on the look and feel of a map, and can make the difference between an amateur and a professional document. In this presentation, I will show common pitfalls to avoid with font choice and label design, especially with respect to accessibility and legibility, and examples of what happens when these pitfalls are ignored. I will also demonstrate what to look for in a font, how fonts can have personalities, and help you navigate the surprising complexities of the font menu.
Elaine started at USGS as an applied researcher in multi-scale cartography. She is now the National Map Liaison to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas.
Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT Executive Room
