Beneath the Surface: Mapping Memories

An illustrated story map that captures everyday, lived experiences in public space—small rituals, emotions, and social moments—anchored to specific locations. The base map stays intentionally quiet so the memory callouts become the primary layer, turning the city into a narrative surface rather than a purely physical one.

Skills used

Story mapping Information design Visual hierarchy Cartographic composition

Methods

Place-based annotation Icon + label system Decluttered basemap styling Layout + export for print

Tools

Illustrator Photoshop GIS (basemap)