How can you make a basemap less cluttered when zoomed out?

Making a basemap less cluttered when zoomed out primarily involves reducing visual complexity to improve readability. By reducing the number of layers and minimizing the degrees of detail, the map maintains essential information while eliminating unnecessary visual noise that can overwhelm the viewer.

When zoomed out, a map is viewed at a larger scale, meaning that too many details can render it difficult to interpret. Simplifying the map content allows users to focus on broader patterns and trends rather than getting lost in minor features. This practice is essential in cartography and GIS to enhance user experience and ensure that the map effectively communicates its intended message.

In contrast, increasing the number of symbols and markers or selecting more complex symbology would likely lead to increased visual clutter, which can confuse rather than inform. Enlarging legends does not address the fundamental issue of map clarity at broader scales. Thus, streamlining the map through careful selection of layers and details is the most effective approach.