Jennifer's GIS Blog

Navigating Google Earth for this week's exercise presented a unique set of challenges. While its accessibility is undeniably a significant advantage, the platform proved to be a less-than-ideal environment for fundamental cartographic practices. We encountered difficulties in manipulating symbology with the precision necessary for effective visual communication, struggled to layer symbols in a meaningful and hierarchical way, and ultimately found it challenging to translate geographic data into compelling and narrative-driven maps. The absence of standard cartographic tools hindered our ability to craft maps that clearly and effectively convey spatial information and insights.

For this week's mapping exercise, the objective was to create isarithmic maps illustrating annual precipitation patterns across Washington state using two different visualization techniques. While one method, continuous tone, excels at depicting the full spectrum of precipitation values, I opted for hypsometric tinting. This technique involves establishing specific value breaks to create easily interpretable categories. To further enhance the map's visual appeal and clarity, I incorporated a subtle hillshade effect, providing a sense of terrain. The underlying precipitation data originates from the PRISM analytical tool, which intelligently simulates climatological reasoning, notably the strong influence of elevation on climatic variables. Consequently, hypsometric tinting proves to be a particularly effective method for presenting this type of geographically and topographically influenced data.

This week's assignment challenged us to craft a compelling choropleth map. We focused on thoughtfully selecting a color scheme that effectively communicates the data's nuances. Beyond aesthetics, the task involved designing clear and informative legends and employing appropriate data classification methods. A key component was leveraging SQL programming to refine data presentation, allowing for targeted insights. Finally, we integrated proportional or graduated symbols to add another layer of visual information, all culminating in a cohesive and insightful map. Leveraging the robust ArcPro ecosystem, I meticulously crafted my map, with only minor refinements applied to the SVG files. To enhance visual communication, I designed custom picture symbols using open-source icons sourced from https://www.svgrepo.com/ . In a subtle yet impactful modification, I augmented the wine glass icon with a simple rectangle, lending it a fuller appearance. For the map's thematic resonance, I...

This week's laboratory exercise involved applying four common data classification methods to visualize the proportion of the population aged 65 and over within Miami-Dade County. The objective was to generate a thematic map illustrating this demographic distribution and to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each classification approach in terms of data presentation. Furthermore, we were tasked with determining the most appropriate method for disseminating this specific demographic information to a defined target audience. For my map I chose a green color ramp from a bright green to a dark sea green, which I think emphasized the differences in the different methods employed. 

In Lab 3, I gained practical experience in user-centered map design by creating a map of schools in Washington D.C.'s Ward 7 using ArcGIS Pro. The design process encompassed a thorough definition of user needs, the establishment of a compelling visual hierarchy, and the careful application of fundamental cartographic principles, notably figure-ground relationships and balance. To effectively communicate information about the schools within their geographic context, I utilized ArcGIS Pro tools, including gradient fills, graduated color palettes, and graduated symbol sizes. Additionally, I used the color tool Paletton to create my color palette; the ability within this tool to generate hues with various tones and values was incredibly helpful when selecting colors to highlight features and allow others to fade into the background.

  For this lab, we were introduced to new labeling tools and options within the ArcPro environment. This included creating classes of labels to make different labels appear differently or to only show some of the labels. This also included converting labels to annotation labels allowing for greater control and customization of how to display those labels. I chose to customize my map by using the UWF brand colors as well as choosing not to include any black on the map instead everything is done with shades of color. In the case of the labels these largely were made to match the colors used within the symbology of the feature being labeled. In some cases I included halos around the text to make the labels more legible, particularly in those cases where the label had to overlay a darker boundary from a tributary or similar feature

 For this week's lab, we were asked to find and critique two maps. One that we thought was a well-done example, and one which we considered to be a poor example. For my maps, I chose two different maps showing the population density of Senegal in West Africa. I chose to look at maps of Africa as I student I had previously pointed out to me how little data is available for West Africa and much of it is poorly presented. I don't think either of these maps is particularly excellent, however, one is definitely better than the other. First up is the map I think is well designed, while some features could be better, it clearly depicts Senegal and the population trends across the country in a gradient color scheme which is easy to understand. This map comes from Worldview . My Second map comes from the CIA's world factbook . While the map is not bad, the lack of scale, any kind of reference location and the color gradient which is somewhat hard to discern at different break points...