GIS5007: Module 6 - Isarithmic Mapping

 

The isarithmic map above depicts precipitation delineation using hypsometric tinting, hill shade effect, and contour lines.  The data was downloaded from the USDA Geospatial Gateway. I chose to use hypsometric tinting as it better represents the precipitation delineation by creating more distinct classes. I chose the blue background because I felt the map popped with the blue behind it. It also creates a calm feel and complements precipitation data, in my opinion. 

In this lab, we learned about the PRISM interpolation method, working with continuous raster data, hill shade relief, continuous symbology, and hypsometric symbology. I think the biggest takeaways from this lab for me were learning and grasping the different uses and functions of hypsometric and continuous tinting, as well as creating custom color formats/ hill shade relief. Now with my new understanding, I can implement this knowledge when making future maps. For example, if I am ever in need to display continuous data like temperature patterns, or population, when discrete classes are not needed. Seeing how layering the hill shade effect enhanced the topographical features on the map was a useful learning outcome as well. Overall, I think I gained meaningful knowledge from this lab and will use what I've learned in later classes and projects. 

GIS5007: Module 5 - Choropleth Mapping

 

This choropleth map shows Wine Consumption by population density in each European country. The brown dots represent the wine consumption, and the countries' colors represent their population density. 

 

    This Lab was very productive. I practiced layering data in the same map frame and learned more about displaying proportional data. I displayed this data using proportional symbols because I believe this method shows the difference in size best. I attempted to use thematic symbols but couldn't create a final product I was happy with, so I backtracked and used regular symbols. Design-wise wise I felt the color scheme popped well and is easy on the eyes. Overall I thought I learned a lot from this lab and can use what I have learned here on future projects. 

    

GIS5007: Module 4 - Data Classification

 

The above maps show 4 different variations of the over-65-year-old populations in Miami-Dade County, FL. Each map shows 4 different data classification techniques, natural breaks, Equal Interval, Quantile, and Standard Deviation.


The goal of this lab was to demonstrate our understanding of four common data classification methods. I feel I have a better understanding of these methods after this lab. Another goal of this lab was to show our capability to create a map with four different data frames. Using these four different classification methods I was able to compare and contrast them for audience and presentation. Seeing how each method changes how the data is presented and how the same data can change so significantly based on how its presented is a valuable lesson I have learned form this lab. I feel the symbology I chose makes the maps feel balanced and easy on the eyes. I feel the contrast helps highlight the differences and data points of each map frame while creating one balanced map.

GIS5007: Module 3 - Cartographic Design

Excuse the quality, Had to be converted to JPEG.

The above map is of Washington D.C. Ward 7 schools.

The objectives of this assignment were for me to be able to implement visual hierarchy in my map creation, apply contrast, employ figure-ground to make important features seem closer, achieve map balance, symbolize layers by category, and create an inset map. I implemented a visual Hierarchy in my map with the symbology I chose for my streets. I chose very visually stimulating colors for all of my roads. white for city roads, red for highways, and grey for major roads. this draws the eye to the specific area I want and guides the viewer through the map using the contrasting lines that run through it. to balance the map I centered the map and used the inset map and legend to create a feeling of symmetry. The map was created using ArcGIS.

 

GIS5007: Module 2 - Typography

 

Excuse the quality, It Had to be converted to a JPEG

The above map is a map of Florida that shows 7 major cities, five rivers, and two wetland areas.

Module two's objective was for me to label and create a map using typographic principles. The learning objectives were for me to define and insert map elements, label the map according to typographic guidelines, and employ appropriate type placement for different features. I was given prompts and instructions for what data should be labeled and free range to create a map. the 3 customizations I made to this map are as follows. My first customization was the star symbols for the major cities. They look good and are a symbol that makes the cities pop and feel like the centerpiece of the data. The second customization was the wetlands symbology. I did this because it looked good and seemed appropriate. The third customization I made was the green counties that share color with the legend and title. I felt this made the map feel complete and balanced.