Alec's GIS Blog

 In module 5 we covered Choropleth maps. A choropleth map is a thematic map which uses variations of color to represent quantitative data in a geographical area. For the lab we created an choropleth map which showed population density in European countries along with the percentage of the population that consumed wine. I utilized greens on a light gray backing to emphasize the data the map is intended to portray. everything is up front and the important elements are noticed right away.  I had a hard time with this one primarily due to labeling and symbology. I wanted to do all my labeling and placement through the label properties within the feature layers however this ended up causing me to waste lots of time and became extremely aggravating. Eventually I ended up having to remove labels and add them through the layout function in Arc Pro. As for the symbology, I never could figure out how to adjust my symbology in a way that it was very clear and placed where I wanted it. De...

This lab session was about understanding data classification. The lecture explained different types of data and how they're shown on maps. It then covered various methods for dividing data into categories for visual representation. In the Lab portion, we used census data for Miami-Dade County, Florida, specifically looking at the percentage of the population over 65. We created four different maps of this same information, with each map using a different data classification method. Those classifications were Equal Interval, Quantile, Standard Deviation, and Natural Breaks. We then arranged these four maps on a single layout, including standard map elements. The goal was to visually compare how each classification method displayed the data and what patterns became apparent or less obvious with each approach. Finally, we considered which classification method might be most useful for different purposes, such as identifying areas with a high senior population, and whether using percen...

  . Module 3 has thus far been the most in depth module. Students were tasked with creating a map showing the schools in ward 7 of Washington DC. The goal was to create a map which showed school locations while implementing Gestalt principles  of perceptual organization. When implemented these principles help cartographers provide maps where all elements are harmonious with map information that is easily interpreted. I started my map using a topographical world map as my base map. I used this for two primary reasons. One, I wanted my map to have a soft look to it which meant using light colors that are easy on the eyes. Secondly, I wanted to see how well I could contrast map elements against it. I also wanted to for viewers to see ward 7s location in relation to its surrounding areas. Anyone who vies this map should easily understand where the geographic location of ward 7 is.  I contrasted ward 7 against the base map by using a light gray which works well with the light ...