Example of an aerial view map illustrated in contemporary illustrative technique by Maria Rabinky. Wikimedia commons

Pictorial maps are a category of maps that can be called illustrated, panoramic, or bird’s-eye view maps. The cartography can be a sophisticated 3-D perspective landscape or a simple map graphic enlivened with illustrations of buildings, people and animals. Pictorial maps usually show an area as if viewed from above. They are not generally drawn to scale, and are more artistic than technical. (adapted from Wikipedia)

But do you need a pictorial map or would a simple two-dimensional black and white drawing would suffice?

It depends. Considerations include:

• Purpose. Who is going to use the map and why? Is the map simply for navigation, or do you also want to showcase the areas guests will visit on the property?
• Reproduction in regards to color, size, and cost. Will the map go on your website (color to complement the web page colors), or printed on room key instruction sheets (easily replicated on copier machine)?
• Brand. Does the map need to reflect your brand?
• Skillset and cost. What resources are available?

By Sean Corcoran (WT-shared) Bango Art at wts wikivoyage (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Resources

To see examples, the images section in Google with the key words, “Pictorial maps”
http://www.google.com

Library of Congress-historical pictorial maps
http://www.loc.gov/collection/panoramic-maps/

Making a Meaningful Map: A checklist for compiling more effective maps
http://www.esri.com/news/arcuser/0911/making-a-map-meaningful.html

About Pictorial maps
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pictorial_maps

Idea 18 – Making Pictorial Maps
http://www.geography.org.uk/projects/ks4ict/idea18/

Map Design – What Makes A Great Map
http://www.decorative-maps.com/articles/map-design—what-makes-a.html