Brewer (geography, Pennsylvania State U.) has written two books and has worked as a map and atlas design consultant for various agencies and organizations, including the U.S. Census Bureau, National Cancer Institute, and National Park Service. She presents a resource text for a range of users from the experienced cartographer to the beginning geographic information system (GIS) user. The text features a collection of 70-plus excellent map designs organized into six categories: two types of reference maps--topographic and navigation; two types of special-purpose maps--visitor and recreation, and infrastructure; and two types of thematic maps--categorical and quantitative. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction, followed by a map Brewer has redesigned three different ways to show readers some alternatives, and several other example maps. No subject index. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)