What is the primary use of sans-serif fonts in mapping?

The primary use of sans-serif fonts in mapping is particularly well-suited for city names and legends. Sans-serif fonts are characterized by their clean lines and lack of decorative elements, making them highly legible at various sizes and on different backgrounds. This is essential in mapping where clarity is paramount, especially for urban environments where numerous names need to be displayed without causing visual clutter.

City names and legend text often require quick recognition, and sans-serif fonts facilitate easy reading from a distance or at smaller scales. Additionally, because maps are often consumed quickly, sans-serif fonts provide a modern aesthetic that's easy on the eyes and aids in immediate comprehension. Their simplicity enhances the map's overall effectiveness in communicating geographic information, as opposed to more decorative serif fonts, which might be better suited for other textual elements where ornamentation can provide context or thematic relevance.

While other text elements, such as main titles and headings, can also utilize sans-serif fonts for their readability, using them specifically for city names and legends highlights their practical advantages in enhancing map usability.