Computer Cartography - M2 - Typography

 

A map of Florida displaying major cities, the State Capitol, as well as some of Florida's natural features. 

This week's module covered typography and the labeling of map features.

The objective was to create a visually engaging map that effectively labels point features while utilizing key customization techniques. Through this exercise, I gained valuable insights into the importance of typography and its impact on map readability and aesthetics.

Creating the Map

For this assignment, I used ArcGIS Pro.  The process began with importing and organizing my data layers, which included rivers, lakes, and major cities in Florida. Once the data was set up, I delved into the labeling process.

I paid special attention to the selection of typography, ensuring that the labels were clear and legible. For enhanced customization, I also converted some of my labels to annotations, allowing for further adjustments.  

Key Customizations

Throughout the mapping process, I implemented three key customizations that significantly improved the map's readability and visual appeal:

1. Halo Effect: I applied a halo effect around the labels for the river and swamp/marsh layers. This not only enhanced readability against varied backgrounds but also added an aesthetically pleasing touch, making the labels pop.

2. Hatched Fill: For the swamp and marsh features, I employed a green hatched fill. This customization was essential for visually distinguishing these features from lakes and rivers, enhancing the viewer's understanding while keeping county boundaries visible.

3. Point Symbology: I chose a star symbol to represent major cities, emphasizing their significance within Florida. For the State Capitol, I selected a symbol that represents a governmental building and incorporated the colors of the Florida state flag. These choices not only enhanced the map's overall aesthetic but also provided immediate recognition of important locations.

While I initially designed an icon resembling the Florida State Capitol Building, I found that it did not maintain clarity when resized for the map (and looked.... off 👀), leading me to select a more suitable symbol.  

Reflection on the Experience

This module exercise deepened my appreciation for the role of typography in cartography. I realized that effective labeling and thoughtful customizations significantly impact how information is perceived and understood. Additionally, it heightened my interest in typography as a whole and sparked curiosity about the history of fonts and their creation.

I look forward to applying these skills in future projects, continuously exploring the art of cartography.

Computer Cartography - M1 - Map Critique

 

For our first lab assignment in GIS4006: Computer Cartography, we were tasked with choosing two maps to evaluate: one well-designed and one poorly designed. We were offered a folder full of maps to choose from, which I utilized.

I originally wanted to choose my own well-designed map from the web, as our choice of map should reflect the personalized cartographic aesthetic we strive to achieve by the end of this course. A considerable amount of time was spent searching the web for a map that suits what I view as aesthetically pleasing, while also having a substantive objective of personal interest. However, while going through the process of evaluation (using a provided template), I realized that, out of excitement, I had overlooked the fact that my map was missing multiple essential map elements, thereby deeming my map choice inappropriate for this assignment.

Anyway, here are the maps I chose to critique along with their synopsis.  😊

Well Designed:

The design of this map meets its intended aim of illustrating the largest ancestral populations in the United States by county and state. It effectively balances substantive and aesthetic objectives, appealing to a wide audience, including both the general public, as well as more knowledgeable individuals such as researchers in sociology, anthropology, and so on. 

Map Design Principles Supporting Overall Grade (Well-Designed):

o Map Substantial Information (Tufteisms 1, 2, 3, 4, and 20): The map clearly presents ancestral population data, allowing viewers to easily interpret the information. The use of contrasting colors enhances the visibility of different demographic groups, making it straightforward to identify trends and patterns.

o Effectively Label Maps (Tufteisms 7 & 8): Despite some text being smaller than ideal, the overall legibility is acceptable. Labels are clear, and the use of intuitive symbology aids in understanding the map's content. (Note: The inset maps lack titles which I believe are necessary here.)

Aesthetic Appeal:

o Color Palette: The aesthetically pleasing colors create a visually harmonious map that is easy on the eyes, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

o Arrangement of Elements: The layout of the map is well-organized, with elements positioned in a way that facilitates easy navigation and understanding.

o Inset Maps: The inclusion of inset maps provides additional context and information about areas outside the continental United States, contributing to the map's overall effectiveness and aesthetic value. 

Poorly Designed:

The design of this map falls short of effectively meeting its intended aims of illustrating the various dialects of American English across different regions in North America. Instead of providing clarity and insight, the map ends up being cluttered and confusing.

Map Design Principles Supporting Overall Grade (Poorly-Designed):

o Minimize Map Crap (Tufteisms 11, 14, 15, 16, and 18): The color pallet, symbology, layout... everything about this map is completely overwhelming.  The cartographer (Rick Aschmann) has tried to deliver entirely too much information to his audience in one place. I would say this map is the epitome of “map crap.”  (No offense Mr. Aschmann.  I realize you are a hobbyist and NOT a cartographer.)

o Effectively Label Maps (Tufteisms 7 & 8): This map contains an excessive number of symbols and labels, which are too small and poorly placed, making them difficult to read. As a result, the map becomes almost impossible to follow.

Areas for Improvement:

o Simplify the Color Scheme: Reduce the number of colors used and choose a more cohesive palette. Limit each dialect area to distinct, easily recognizable colors that contrast well without overwhelming the viewer.

o Reorganize Symbols and Labels: Ensure that symbols are larger and more legible, with clear explanations. Labels should be strategically placed to avoid overlap and should be easily readable.

o Improve Layout and Balance: Reassess the overall layout to create a more balanced and organized design. Align elements logically and ensure that the map has clear borders to differentiate between areas effectively. This may be better suited in a series of maps instead of a single map. 

Computer Cartography: Orientation

La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California - November 2024

 Hello all! I'm Austin. Pleased to meet you! 

I’m currently enrolled in the GIS Certification Program at UWF, having just completed my first course, GIS4043 Geographic Information Systems. In pursuing a new career, my goal is to earn my GIS Certification and begin working in the field, ideally with the DOD, while also working toward a Bachelor’s of Science in Data Analytics.

Ultimately, I aim to move my husband and me to the San Diego area of California, a place I lived from 2004 to 2009 and deeply miss.

For my orientation assignment for course GIS4006 Computer Cartography, I have created a short ArcGIS StoryMap Map Tour of my life.  Check it out! 👉 https://arcg.is/1i5vyO0

Intro to GIS - Final Project

This past week was spent working on my final project for GIS4043: Geographic Information Systems, the first college course in my journey to getting certified in Geographic Information Systems/Science at the University of West Florida. Not only that, but this was my first college course ever and the first time I've had any formal education beyond job training since 2011. What an exciting 8 weeks this has been for me!

We started by learning what GIS is and how complicated it can be to define to someone else. We jumped into ArcGIS Pro, a beautifully complex piece of GIS software, and learned the very basics of cartography, what the baseline requirements for map-making are, and the dos and don’ts. Next, we experienced collecting data using ArcGIS Field Maps and learned all about map projecting. We covered vector analysis techniques, how to add XY coordinates to data, and all about geocoding. We learned how to georeference images, taking them from a basic aerial view and turning them into spatially accurate representations, and even how to digitize buildings and roads.

This is just a brief description of all we learned over the last 8 weeks. It was an awesome experience, and I am ecstatic to continue this journey. Next stop: Computer Cartography!

But first, my final project!

For our final project, we were tasked with taking all the tools, techniques, and skills we learned and using them to create a comprehensive analysis of a proposed electric transmission line, the Bobwhite-Manatee Project.

In our analysis, we were in charge of identifying and quantifying conservation lands and wetlands within our study area as well as within the preferred transmission line corridor. We had to define and quantify homes, county parcels, and schools in proximity, and finally measure the total length of the transmission line and estimate the cost of construction.

I spent a crazy amount of time working on this project—so much that my spouse is a bit peeved at me—but it will be worth it in the end.

It was a real pleasure to experience every single bit of this course, and I'm thankful to have had the opportunity. Here's to a beautiful future in Geographic Information Science!

Check out my ArcGIS StoryMap presentation below, as well as a transcript walking you through the analytics and processes of analysis.

Bobwhite-Manatee Project A Comprehensive Analysis of Transmission Line Impacts in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, Florida

Presentation Transcript

Intro to GIS - M6 - Georeferencing, Editing, and 3D Scenes

 

The above map shows the University of West Florida campus and a nearby eagle nest.  The UWF Campus map is made up of two raster images that have been georeferenced for accuracy.  It includes buildings on campus, roads, as well as a Heritage Hall Parcel Survey raster layer.  The inset map of the Protected Eagle Nest Location shows a conservation buffer surrounding the nest in both 330 foot range and 660 foot range.

Week 6 is here, and this is the last lab assignment due before our final project.

This week, I learned how to georeference raster layers on a map. In simple terms, that means taking an image, placing it on the map, and making it spatially accurate. I found this process really interesting and fun! It required close attention to detail to ensure minimal error while keeping the visual shape of the raster layer from becoming overly distorted.

What excites me about this process is that I could take my own aerial photos using a drone and overlay them on a map, making them spatially accurate. I can see how this skill would be beneficial in various industries.

I also learned how to create vector features, including a building footprint (polygon) and a roadway (polyline).

In an inset map, I showed the location of a protected eagle nest in relation to the UWF campus and included imagery of 330' and 660' buffer zones representing a conservation area surrounding the nest. I’d love to see the nest for myself!

This week, I put in extra effort to make my final map layout look polished while still serving its intended purpose. Fingers crossed for good feedback! 🙂

For extra credit, I completed an optional part of this week’s lab where I learned to create a 3D scene of the campus. I can't wait to spend more time with 3D and explore creating cool story maps for events like fairs or music festivals.

This has all been a lot of fun, and I look forward to completing my final project for this course and seeing where my next courses will take me.

Intro to GIS - M5 - XY Coordinates and Geocoding

 

We're already at week five? HOW?!

This week's lab work was split into two sections focusing on XY coordinate data and geocoding.

First up was the Add XY Data lab. This one was all about working with coordinates. I created a table in Excel to map out eagle nest locations in Santa Rosa County, Florida. The process involved converting coordinates from Degrees, Minutes, Seconds (DMS) format into Decimal Degrees (DD), which is what works best in ArcGIS Pro. I had to ensure everything was set up just right in Excel, following naming guidelines for the columns—any minor mistake can throw the whole thing out of whack. After prepping my data, I imported it into ArcGIS, added the XY points to a map, and projected them to the correct coordinate system. It was a neat way to visualize where the eagle nests are!

Next, I moved on to the Geocoding lab. This one took a bit longer, especially since I had to clean up a dataset of school addresses from the Florida Department of Education. I learned how to set up an address locator and geocode various schools in Manatee County. It was interesting to see how some of the addresses in the data table I created couldn't be matched to locations on the map, and how to fix those issues. Even the smallest inaccuracies, like address abbreviations, can cause problems. It really highlighted the importance of thorough data preparation.

This week also provided a solid introduction to some basic tasks in Microsoft Excel. I haven't used Excel much before, but now I'm intrigued and looking to find some tutorials or courses to dive deeper.

Check out my Web Map from this week's labs, showing the locations of learning institutions in Manatee County, Florida. 👉 Manatee County, Florida Schools 

(This map displays the locations of various educational institutions in Manatee County, Florida, including combination schools (pre-K, special learning, charter schools), elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, community colleges, and universities.)

Intro to GIS - M4 - Vector Analysis

 

This map highlights potential campsite locations in De Soto National Forest, showcasing their proximity to roads and water features while avoiding conservation areas. It serves as a handy guide for campers looking to explore the area while prioritizing safety and accessibility.

This week, I tackled two lab assignments that really broadened my understanding of GIS and spatial data analysis. In the first lab, I got hands-on experience with geodatabases and spatial queries. I learned how to create a geodatabase, import feature classes, and select features based on their proximity to schools and hospitals. 

In the second lab, I put this new knowledge to use by conducting buffer and overlay analyses to locate suitable campsites in De Soto National Forest.I used both fixed and variable distance buffers to assess how close potential sites were to roads and water features while avoiding conservation areas. This week really emphasized that GIS analysis is an iterative process (I didn't even know what iterative meant), where refining criteria based on findings is crucial. By the end, I had a detailed map identifying the best camping spots, which showcased the practical applications of GIS in environmental planning.

While the module introduced several new steps I hadn’t encountered before, it also drew on what I had learned in earlier assignments. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could recall while creating a polished final product. I probably spent three times as long on my map composition as I needed to, but I was having a blast exploring the various tools available in ArcGIS Pro. I know I’m just beginning to scratch the surface, but this aspect of my GIS course is incredibly exciting! 

---