Final Project

  Our final project was to show off what we have learned over the course of the last semester in GIS3015 - Cartographic Skills.  Using a combination of ArcGIS Desktop for analysis and Adobe Illustrator for design, I have created a map that depicts the national average ACT composite scores and the percentage of high school graduates that tested.

Dot Density Mapping

Dot density maps are used to display conceptual data (raw totals).  Each dot equals a certain amount of some phenomenon and the those dots are placed where that phenomenon is likely to occur.  You can use a dot density map to show such phenomenon as population density or harvested crop totals.

Flow Line Mapping

Module 10 continues our education of the different types of thematic maps.  This week focus was line flow maps.  Line flow maps are used to show a number of different types of flow including traffic, commodities, migrations, and air flow, to name a few.  This week we showed the statistics covering the immigration to the United States for the year 2007.  Using proportional lines we are able to visually and immediately give the reader of the map a clear indication where the most and fewest immigrants came from.  This map was made using a predetermined background created in ArcMap, with all other aspects being created by me using Adobe Illustrator.  This week, I finally started to get the hang of the pen tool.

Isometric Mapping

Spring break couldn't have come at a better time.  I needed the break to refuel my brain, but getting back into the swing of things has been a little tough this week.  This week we continued learning about and creating different types of thematic maps.  Module 9 focused on Isometric maps.  Contour maps are the most common form of isometric maps and if you have ever watched a weather report, you have seen an isometric map.  Our data this week included average annual rainfall for the state of Georgia.

Proportional Symbol Mapping

This week we created two maps displaying different proportional symbols.  One created completely using ArcMap and a second created using Adobe Illustrator.  The purpose of creating two maps in two different systems was to illustrate that even though both programs can create proportional symbols, sometimes one has clear advantages over the other.

The ArcMap only map, while functional, definitely has limits. The only symbols that can be used and maintain proportion are circles and square.

Map 1 - created exclusively with ArcMap

The map created using Adobe Illustrator is not limited by symbology.  New custom symbols can be created and used, while still maintaining proper proportions. Labels can be placed as needed.

Map 2 - created with Adobe Illustrator

Choropleth Mapping

This week we dove more into Choropleth maps.  Choropleth maps are the most commonly used thematic map.  They can be used to display classified or unclassified data.  The advances in analysis software makes choosing a classification much simpler for today's cartographers. ArcMap enables the user to easily chose various classifications, examine the class breaks, and view the map display in just a few clicks.

Our first map displays the population change based on each state's population change from the US Census of 1990 to 2000.

Choropleth Mapping Map 1

Our second map displays the population change based on regional divisions using the same US Census data as map 1.

Choropleth Mapping Map 2

Typography

Week six has us covering the basics of typography.  As map makers we want to make sure that our end user is drawn to the main focal point of the maps intended purpose and that our text does not overpower, but rather is a supplemental compliment to the map being made.  This lab would have been easier had I been familiar with the Florida Keys, but, as map makers we won't always have an expanse knowledge of our subject matter.

Typography

Florida Hispanic Population

Using Adobe Illustrator, this week we were tasked with displaying a map of southern Florida's Hispanic population as surveyed by the 2000 US Census.  I wanted to make sure that the population ranges were distinct, but not garish.  I made sure to include all the required map elements, which I now have in a convenient sticky note on my Windows desktop, while keeping in mind the hierarchy of thematic map design (also a sticky note on my Windows desktop).

Important lesson learned this week:   Ctrl-Z is one of my all time favorite keyboard shortcuts.  You can try something and if it doesn't work you can Ctrl-Z and undo it.  Sometime I get a little Z happy and do one too many undos, so I use the handy dandy Ctrl-Y. or redo, keyboard shortcut.  Ctrl-Y does not work the same in Adobe Illustrator as it does in other Windows based programs.  Ctrl-Y makes ALL the color disappear and Ctrl-Z does not bring it back. Luckily, I had just saved my file so the damage was minimal.  (Note to self: save often!)  I’m still not sure what command Ctrl-Y executes, but did discover that Ctrl-Shift-Z will execute a redo in AI. 

I also picked up a couple of new shortcuts using the scroll wheel. 

1.      Shift-scroll moves the art board up and down quickly.  
2.      Ctrl-scroll moves the art board left and right.  
3.      Alt-scroll zooms in and out – this was my favorite find.

Introduction to Illustrator

This weeks map was created using a combination of ArcGIS and Adobe Illustrator.  The legend, scale bar, north arrow, Florida county polygon layer and city point layer were created in ArcMap.  The map was exported from ArcMap as a .AI (Adobe Illustrator) file.  The new .AI file was opened in Adobe Illustrator and the title of the map, my name, date, and data source were all added.  The map was then exported from Adobe Illustrator via the File, Save for Web & Devices... option. 

Data Classification

Data Classification Map 1

The first map of week three demonstrates the percentage of African Americans living in Escambia county.  By using the exact same data for each map, but different data classification, you can see how the data can visually change.

Data Classification Map 2

The second map of the week shows the Natural Breaks classification that I chose to best represent the data. I felt that the Natural Breaks classification represented the data better than the other classifications. Equal Intervals classification had large range values that contained values not included in the data. Standard Deviation classification was difficult to understand and data are positively skewed.  Quantile classification allows for data of the same range to be placed into different classes. Without examining the raw data, one could be misled by the placement of data elements.

As an additional note/self critique, I did not realize until I uploaded my maps to the blog, that I apparently forgot to install a map frame for both maps.  That stinks.

GIS3015 - Statistics

This week we learned about histograms and line graphs.  The graphic below illustrates the population growth and predicted population growth for the states of California, Florida, New York, and Texas from  1990-2025.   To create the graph, I selected, from the supplied data, the corresponding cells for each state, used the Insert menu to insert a scatter plot and then added a trendline while choosing to display the equation and the R-squared value.  So why is this graph useful?  Linear trendlines are a visual representation of a gradual increase in data point values.  Since Excel can create the equations needed, it enables us to use this same equation in predicting future values for a particular data set.

This lesson caused me to visit a part of my brain that I haven't been in for quite some time.  While I might do basic algebra on a regular basis, statistical equations are way out of my league. With a little more practice and a whole lot of Khan Academy videos, I just might figure it out.

GIS3015 - Good Map, Bad Map

Good Map Example

The purpose of the map is to detail the location of the ECS Integrated Design Services in the Transportation Research building as was stated on the website.  From the onset, you can see that this map is pleasing to eye with no map-crap.  The location of the ECS Integrated Design Services building is presented in a contrasting color that does not fade into the existing data.  Labels are clear and easy to read.  The North arrow is present which would be important in this instance as this map is not oriented in true north.  These elements cover Tufteisms 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 and commandment 4.   

http://design.ecs.psu.edu/2.0/Design/contact.html

Bad Map Example

This is an example of a bad map.  The map is heavily cluttered, there is no legend, and no data is visible.  There is no way for the map reader to understand what the map is trying to convey.