Callie's GIS Blog

In this week's lesson we covered topics about flow maps, and isarithmic mapping. To show our understanding and expertise of this topic we are to create a map depicted with continuous tones, hypsometric tints, hill shade effect(s), and contours. Students are with data to create an isarithmic map of precipitation data for Washington State during the time frame of 1981 - 2010. The data used for this project was prepared using the PRISM interpolation method  from the PRISM Group at Oregon State University.  First, I created a map using continuous tones to show the average rainfall data, without contours and hillshade effect. We can see the smooth, continuous flow of change for the data. Continuous Tones Next, I used the same data to create a hypsometric map, with the hillshade effect, to display the same average precipitation data. This map shows more clear, defining changes in data verses the continuous tones map. Hypsometric Tints Last, I added a contour layer on top of my ...

This weeks module topic covers choropleth and proportional symbol mapping. A choropleth map displays normalized data as shaded points, lines or areas.  Students were asked to create a choropleth map showing the overall population densities in European countries and then tie in the amount of wine consumption and overlay using proportional or graduated symbols. A few steps I used to create my map were:  I chose to use the yellow-red-brown (continuous) color scheme. I chose this scheme because it is friendly to the color visually impaired person for easy determination. With the freedom to choose the data classification of our choice, I chose the Natural Breaks method for population density, and graduated symbols for the amount of wine consumption. Selected a symbol of my choice for graduated symbols layer as a .SVG file.  Use an inset map to clarify congested map areas that are tough to determine. 

Our module this week covers diverse types of data classification and introduces the basic procedures used to classify data. Provided with census data for Dade County, Miami, Florida students created (4) maps using four different classification methods: Natural Breaks, Equal Interval, Quantile, and Standard Deviation. The deliverables included two separate map compilations. One asks for the results of the percentage of the population above the age of 65 ( Map A ) and the population count above 65 per square mile ( Map B ).  Map A Map B  Four different classification methods:   Natural Breaks:   The natural break classification is based on the natural grouping of the features from the data. Also known as the manual method. This method groups together values that are similar, and features created by divided classes where boundaries are set due to significant differences in the data value.   Equal Interval:   The equal interval classification method divid...

In this week's lesson we covered topics about Land Partitioning Systems, Cartographic Designs, and Perceptual Organization principles. We learned about historical and current methods for land demarcation and systems used to divide land. Next, we learned about Perceptual Organization, and Cartographic Design using Gestalt's Principles: visual hierarchy, contrast, figure-ground, and visual balance.  The deliverable(s) of the action plan required by students is to create a map in ArcGIS Pro of Public Schools in Ward 7, Washington D.C. The map we create must display our expertise in Land Partitioning Systems, Perceptual Organization, and all four of Gestalt's Principles.  Steps for creating my map: I used the "clip" tool to create a new layer "Ward7_Schools" on the map for all schools only in Ward7. Before this step there was only a layer for schools found in the entire Washington D.C. area. Once my new layer "Ward7_Schools" was created I chose a...

This week’s lesson topic is about understanding map labeling, essential map elements, and general map labeling.  The map I created is of the state of Florida with a list of features such as: Florida Rivers, Cities, Florida Lakes and Swamps, and Counties.    The three customizations I made to my map and why: 1.     In order to add Tallahassee, I had to add the data “Capital.” This was puzzling for me, how to add the only missing city from the list of checks for the assignment. Once I added this layer, I set the label class features the same as I did for the Major Cities data. 2.     For the Counties layer I chose to use a “hatched” fill for the shade to fill in counties. I also changed the color and width of the boarder to determine the counties in the state for a better definition. 3.     Changing the field name under the “label class” from Name to RName. I did this to have a clear, legible result for the river ...

This week’s lesson topic is about understanding map design principles by determining and explaining the difference between a well-designed and poorly designed map of personal choice.   For my example of a well-designed map, I chose the thematic map example, below. The theme of this map is to show what counties in South Carolina are a part of which Wildlife Management Area Game Zones, 1 - 6. This map example has a clear and neat esthetic allowing the reader to clearly understand the theme, data, and visual interpretation of the map. This map includes the necessities: map title, legend, scale bar, citations, neat boundaries, correct/neat symbology, and clear qualitative and  quantitative  data. The map is appropriately balanced without being overcrowded but we also do not see any large white or empty spaces. Well-designed map (WDesign): For my example of a poorly designed map, I chose another thematic map example, below. This maps topic seems to be about wh...