Computer Cartography - Module 2 - Typography

 This week's lab module for Computer Cartography 5007L focused on labeling a map by following established typographic principles. We learned where and how to place our labels for different feature types such as major cities, rivers, and swamps. These types of features represent the feature types you find on a map which are points, lines, and areas. We learned the details of how to properly label these features by creating annotation feature classes. this allows you to edit each annotation feature so that you have full control over the position, size, and style of your labels which leads to the optimization of the presentation of your map. Our lab assignment involved creating a map of the state of Florida using ArcGIS Pro that displays the major cities, rivers, and natural features. Below is my finalized map.

In addition to creating our map, we were challenged with making at least three customizations. The first customization I chose for my map was changing the point symbol for the city of Tallahassee to a red star to designate it as the Capitol of Florida. I also choose to display the text in caps to differentiate it from the rest of the cities. For the remainder of the major cities, I decided to represent them according to population range with unique values and point symbols of varying sizes. In addition, I used different colors to represent the ordinal values associated with the population ranges. Another customization I made was to change the swamp/marsh feature to a swamp symbol and change it to a green color. It seemed to be a nice contrast to the Yucca Yellow that I chose for the county layer. I chose to label the swamp/marsh features in a similar green color as the features with Bodoni MT with italics that I also used for my rivers. Although my label was outside of the feature for the Okefenokee Swamp it remained legible against the Yucca Yellow of my county layer and the blue background, especially with a minimal halo. Overall, I am very excited about what I learned in this lab module. Knowing how to convert labels to annotation features will greatly increase the quality of the maps I create moving forward.

Computer Cartography - Module 1 - Map Critique

 

In this week's module, the topic was the principles of map design. We learned about the history of map-making and how designs have evolved over time. Next, we were introduced to cartographer Edward Tufte who outlined 20 design principles that have been reduced to 6 commandments that we used as a guide to reinforce our understanding of what makes a map good or bad. In this lab, we were tasked with choosing an example of a well designed map and an example of a poorly designed map. Using our new knowledge of map design principles from our class lecture we then critiqued our two maps.

This well-designed map displays the state of South Carolina's wildlife area game zones. Although it may not convey complex information, it is a good example of how to balance and organize various map elements. This map is easy to read, aesthetically pleasing, and leaves no mystery to the reader of what the map maker is trying to convey. The first component that appeals to my aesthetic is that the map maker did a great job with the layout balancing the map elements within the white/negative space around the state polygon. The second component that appeals to me is the creator’s use of the increased weight of the boundary lines that help bring attention to the boundaries for each game zone. Personally, I think they might be a little too heavy but I like the idea. The third component that appeals to my aesthetic is that it is void of unnecessary “map junk” and as mentioned in our lecture, it is simple but effectively communicates its objective. The only negative I see about this map is that some of the county labels run into the boundary lines making the last letter in a few cases illegible. The other potential negative is that Zone 1 occupies the northern portions of Oconee, Pickens, and Greenville counties while the southern portions belong to Zone 2.  The map reader could be confused because the southern portions of these counties appear as though they could be additional counties that are unlabeled. Overall, this map displays sound design principles as described in Edward Tufte’s 6 Commandments.

This map stood out to me as a poor design example because it appears there was little to no pre-conceptual planning before the creation of this map. It lacks any substantial information that might convey its intended purpose or meaning. The labels and symbols are often overlapping making the map so chaotic that it is impossible to draw any meaningful information from it. The first area of improvement would be to determine the map's intended meaning and express this by adding a title. After this is established then all irrelevant data can be removed leaving only what is relevant to the map's intended purpose. With these things complete, a proper layout could be determined to allow for the desired placement of the map elements. The third area of improvement would be to reevaluate the size and design of the north arrow and scale bar. Even if these elements were properly placed, they would almost certainly be too large. At the least, the scale bar would need to display a unit of distance. Overall, this map is a good example of how important planning and forethought are for map-making as well as the evaluation of your final product.

About Me - Orientation Story Map

Hello everyone!

My name is Rick Schmidt and I was born and raised in northwestern Pennsylvania in a small town called Franklin. In 2011, my wife and I relocated to Port Orange, Florida. We have a 6-year-old son that keeps us busy. He is currently interested in learning the principles of engineering and anything outdoors also recently taking an interest in fishing. I joined the UWF graduate certificate program after comparing a handful of programs concluding that UWF was the most robust, offering more than others that I looked into. Upon completion of the program, I hope to gain employment in the GIS field. Ideally, I would love to obtain a position in the field of archaeology or historic preservation however, I am open to any role because all experience is valuable. This is my second semester in my journey to obtain my GIS graduate certificate here at UWF. So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed the courses I have taken at UWF (Intro to GIS and Photo Interpretation & Remote Sensing). I have learned a ton and cannot wait to build upon the foundation that I have established. I earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology in 2006 from Clarion University of Pennsylvania where I was introduced to GIS through taking an intro class. I was able to apply the skills I learned in that class using ArcMap while employed with the US Forest Service in the Allegheny National Forest where I worked as an archaeologist for three years.

Outside of working and school, I enjoy playing basketball (played in high school and college) and coaching my son’s sports teams. I enjoy photography as a hobby and volunteer at a local archaeological site. I also serve on the Volusia County Historic Preservation Board.

I look forward to working with everyone this semester!

Here is a link to my Story Map: Rick's Story Map