What are the skills necessary to be a good cartographer?
A good cartographer needs to be conversant in GIS applications. It is important to be able to understand how to use these applications (ARCGIS, ARCVIEW, etc.) so you can successfully layer graphs, add titles, symbols, and other pieces to make a good, readable graph.
Distinguish between the elements of a good map vs. a bad map.
A good map is easy to read. Someone who is not familiar with the subject matter should be able to look at a well done graph and understand the information that has been added to it. By being able to understand the bits of information, the person should also be able to understand the whole scope to the research, project, etc.
A bad map, however, typically lacks order. Various elements may be scattered around the map in an unorganized, undecipherable way. Bad maps typically lack legends, scales, titles, pop-ups, and other elements that make a good map. Bad maps may also have a very bad color which is displeasing to the viewer. If the iconic image is bad, the map is typically also bad.
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