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Line space is controlled by a separate function in
most software (Figure 1) and is generally measured from the baseline
of one line to the baseline of the next line. With mixed case ClearviewHwy
legends, it is important that the space baseline to baseline be at
least .66x (two thirds the capital letter height between each line)
to prevent a descending character from touching the ascending character
on the line below. Actual line space measurements will follow sign
layout grid formats with most interline space being 1X or more depending
on application.
As a general rule, regardless of whether the display
is mixed case or all capital letters, the space between characters
and the space around the legend are critical. Letterspaced words
that look very open below threshold will appear to have tighter letterspacing
when viewed from the intended distance. In a similar way, if the
legend is placed too close to the border of a sign, the ascenders
and descenders will visually merge into the edge of the sign and
create a word form that is more difficult to read when viewed from
a distance. Although a mixed case display will require a taller panel
for a same size advance guide sign legend (Figure 2), the ease
of recognition will be improved significantly with the distinctive
word pattern, increased letter space, and additional field around
the word. |
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Figure 1.
Three examples, minimum line space (.66X), 1X, and 1.33X showing both line space
and baseline to baseline space
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Figure 2.
FHWA Standard Alphabet Series C (top) vs. ClearviewHwy 2-W (bottom)
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