Module 2: Typography

 In module 2 of the Computer Cartography course we learned basic principles and rules of typography. In short typography is the technique of making written language more readable and appealing. Having a basic knowledge/understanding of typography is necessary in this context because it allows a maps elements to be easily read. 

For the assignment on this module we created a map of Florida showing various features of the state. The primary objective of this assignment was to learn how to properly label features on a map. All the data came from shape files provided by UWF. Once the different features were added to the map we went into each feature and labeled them in specified ways depending on the feature. Bodies of water were all in italics unlike city names which were all in bold lettering to make them more noticeable. We also utilized more in-depth practices such within the label properties of each feature which in some cases allows you to use specific labeling depending on the feature. One cool option allows you to create a label that follows the flow of a line feature. In this case it was a river. 

I did several things to make my map unique and give proper definition and clarity. One, was making the base layers like the Counties and Swamps & Marshes a lighter color so other feature could be easily seen on top of them. Secondly, was a small change. I changed the Cities feature to have a boundary around the symbol used. I think it provides a slight cleaner look. Lastly, instead of using the same symbology for Tallahassee as other cities I used a star to show that it is the capitol city. These may be minor and seemingly irrelevant changes but I think it creates a much cleaner and easy to read map.