Different type fonts should be selected for different categories of features. The same feature-font relationship should be maintained throughout a map, or map series. This will help the map user to identify feature types quickly and easily. Type size should be appropriate to the scale of the map, and to the size and extent of the feature. The technique of spacing letters in a name helps to describe the extent of a large feature while avoiding the use of type that is too large.
Type colour is a useful design tool in map typography.
Colour may be used to emphasize or subdue type. If the type and the map feature are in the same colour, an association is created between the two. For example, the names of drainage features are usually in the colour blue, in contrast to populated places and political names most often in black. The positioning of type on a map deserves important consideration. Type well positioned enhances the readability and aesthetics of a map.