Visualization of cartographic information design is considered essential to the development of the communication aspects of the field. The aim of the research is to establish principles to facilitate map use tasks, such as search, calculation and analysis: for map comparison, to develop hypotheses, etc; and to portray geographic variations in qualitative and quantitative characteristics. To accomplish these aims two classes of research may be followed: indirect and direct. The indirect method involves studying with empirical methods the best way to solve a problem and the application to cartography of the findings of research in other fields, such as psychology. The direct method is more deductive, and includes such research activities as censuses of the reactions of users, investigations of the performance of map use tasks, and experimental studies in psychophysical aspects of cartography. Both indirect and direct methods are useful, but the latter is more scientific and is likely to lead to greater results.
Key words: map, cartographical image, visual perception, users, conventional signs, map readability.