The Panama Canal in 2 Inches: How Infographics Make Complex Ideas Fit Anywhere

Illustration of the Panama Canal Locks: A visual guide showing how cargo ships are lifted and lowered between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans using the Gatún, Pedro Miguel, and Miraflores locks. Gravity from Gatún Lake moves the water, allowing ships to travel through the canal.

The Locks of the Panama Canal — In Just 2 Inches

When the editors at American Way, American Airlines’ in-flight magazine, needed to explain how the Panama Canal’s lock system worked, they had one big challenge: they only had a 2'' x 4'' space to do it.

That’s where I came in.

As an infographic designer who specializes in simplifying complex systems, I created a compact but detailed visual that shows how ships travel through the Panama Canal using a series of locks powered by gravity.

How the Panama Canal Locks Work (Explained In A Simple Infographic)

The Panama Canal is a marvel of civil engineering. It uses a series of three main lock systems — Gatún, Pedro Miguel, and Miraflores Locks — to lift and lower ships as they travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Ships enter a lock chamber.

• Water from nearby lakes (like Gatún Lake) is released or retained to raise or lower the ship.

• As the water level matches the next lock, the gates open and the ship moves forward.

• Gravity-powered hydraulics allow water to flow, eliminating the need for pumps.

The infographic captures all this using clear linework, directional arrows, and labeled sections, helping even the casual reader understand what’s happening below the surface.

Why Infographics Matter — Especially in Editorial Design

This piece wasn’t just a visual treat — it was a problem-solving tool. With limited space and readers with varying levels of interest, infographics serve as:

• Instant educational aids

• Space-saving solutions for tight layouts

• Reader engagement boosters, especially mid-flight

• Tools to simplify technical or historical content in seconds

Whether it’s in-flight magazines, editorial features, or branded content, infographics turn passive readers into active learners — even in tiny formats.

Infographics for Magazines, Editors, and Publishers

I work with editors and creative directors across industries to design:

• Educational sidebars and visual explainers

• Travel, history, and science content

• Custom illustrations for tight column layouts

• Data-driven visuals that pop on both print and digital

Good design doesn’t need a full spread — it just needs clarity and intention.

Need to Say a Lot in a Little Space?

If you’re a magazine editor, content marketer, or creative director looking to explain something in a compact, beautiful, and effective way — I can help.

Reach out to start your own custom infographic.