Module 3: Cartographic Design


 

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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 color scheme I wanted. I made sure to give it a very obvious boarder by making it black and widening it. This makes it obvious what the primary focus of the map is by guiding map viewers attention directly to it. 

Once I was satisfied with the way my base elements looked I started adding other features such as roads, schools, parks, etc. With the schools which are the most important part of the map I went with bright and bold colors. Originally, I thought I would make the different types of schools have a smaller symbology. However, I was not satisfied with the look of it so I made them all the same size and changed the color of them. To make them all distinguishable from each other I went with a bright red which then turned into a dark orange then to lighter orange. I did this so that they had similar color profiles so viewers group them together while also showing they are distinct from each other.

Overall I am pleased with the map that was produced I think it has all necessary elements and utilized the Gestalt principles well. 

    


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