Visualize your typography for your cartographic representation before you begin and save yourself time!

TypeBrewer.org

 TypeBrewer.org presents an interactive mapping interface that allows a user to play with font types, character spacing, and density of labels before even beginning their map in their chosen software.  After selecting the style that suits the author of the map, you can download a template for graphic design software or create a style specification sheet to use as a reference in a GIS platform.

If you crave more information about cartographic representation check out Semiology of Graphics by Jacques Bertin, available from ESRI Press.