Add the first couple in the family line you are examining, such as your grandfather and grandmother, on top of the paper. Depict males using a square, females with a circle and those with unknown gender -- such as expected children -- with a rhombus. The members of each generation must also be on the same horizontal level of the diagram.
Connect the two family members' shapes with a horizontal line. Use grey coloring pen for such lines, so that the ecomap's arrows you will add later are easily distinguishable. Starting from the middle of the grey horizontal, draw a vertical line to move to the next generation.
Add the name of each family member on her respective shape. Shade the shape of family members who feature the specific characteristic you are examining. If members are currently deceased, draw a diagonal line through their shape.
Draw a bold black arrow toward's the person whose relationships the ecomap will depict. Design ordinary unbroken arrows, connecting the person's shape with another one, to depict positive relationships between the individual and the family members. Use thick white arrows for very strong relationships.
Draw an ordinary unbroken arrow along with a wave line to show a strained relationship and a dotted arrow to show a negative relationship. Ensure the ecomap's arrows are easily distinguishable from the pedigree diagram's grey lines.
Form a legend at the bottom of the chart, explaining which genetic characteristic you are examining and what is the meaning of each type of shape and line.