August 2022 Summaries

Felt provides a tool designed to empower users to create visually appealing and functional maps by applying key design techniques. The process begins with selecting a compelling story and maintaining focus to avoid clutter, while creating a visual hierarchy where important elements stand out in the foreground. Users can combine layers with the basemap for added context and aesthetic appeal, utilizing Felt's curated data layers like Terrain and Ocean bathymetry to enhance the map's appearance. Limiting the color palette to a few harmonious colors, using easily understood symbols, and adhering to design principles such as the rule of thirds and balance contribute to the overall clarity and attractiveness of the map. For sharing maps, users can take screenshots or share links with specific views, and embedding maps requires careful consideration of layout to ensure the information is well-balanced and visually engaging. Felt encourages creativity in map-making, offering a unique platform for collaboration and sharing maps on the web.

Felt offers a tool designed to help users create visually appealing and functional maps by applying key design techniques. The process begins with selecting a compelling story and maintaining focus to ensure clarity and relevance for the audience. Emphasizing visual hierarchy, important elements should capture attention in the foreground while the background provides subtle context. Users can enhance maps with curated data layers and should aim for a harmonious color palette to avoid clutter. Familiar symbols improve legibility, and applying principles like the rule of thirds and balance can enhance the map's aesthetic. For sharing, users can generate links tailored to specific views and customize embedded map sizes, all while embracing creativity and collaboration.

Felt has introduced ten new curated data layers to streamline mapping workflows and enhance user experience by consolidating information into a single platform. These layers, which were added in June, include diverse topics such as Plant Hardiness Zones, Local Parks Across the Globe, U.S. Forest Service Camping & Hiking Trails, the July 2022 Drought Monitor, Hospitals & Clinics, Basins and Watersheds, Hydrothermal Features, Lakes, and First and Second-order Administrative Divisions. Each layer serves a specific purpose, such as the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones map aiding gardeners, or the inclusion of global lakes offering detailed shoreline information. These additions aim to reduce the time users spend sourcing and styling data from multiple platforms, enabling seamless integration and collaboration within Felt for projects like planning hiking trips or emphasizing green spaces.

Felt, a platform for map customization, is expanding its offerings by curating new data layers to enhance user experience and streamline workflows, particularly for users who need multiple map sources in one place. In June, ten new data layers were added, including USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, local parks from OpenStreetMap, U.S. Forest Service camping and hiking trails, and the July 2022 Drought Monitor. These layers aim to address user needs such as gardening guidance, outdoor recreation planning, drought awareness, healthcare location mapping, and ecological system visualization. Each layer is designed to provide detailed, accessible information, with contributions from various sources like OpenStreetMap and HydroBASINS, to offer a comprehensive mapping experience. Users are encouraged to request additional data layers that would benefit their specific use cases, and Felt's cartographer ensures these layers are visually appealing and functional before they are released.