Data Classification

 Data Classification Methods

This map shows the same census data for Escambia County, Florida, four different ways. Even though each classification method has its advantages and disadvantages, it's the cartographer's responsibility to determine maps purpose and audience before selecting the classification method.

Equal Interval Method

This map was created to show the percentage of the population of African Americans living within each census tract of Escambia County, Florida. The data was classified by the equal interval method.

GIS Cartography

States of Mexico by population

This map of Mexico displays the population density of each state within the country. Neighboring countries are also labeled with a subdued font as to not detract from the maps purpose.

Urban Centers of Central Mexico

This map of central Mexico shows urban areas, those with a population greater than 1 million are labeled. The map also displays railroads and federal highways as well as primary and major rivers. I changed the symbology in the legend to correlate more with the layer. I also added an inset map with an extent indicator.

Topography of Mexico

This is a simple topographic map of Mexico. The legend indicates the elevation in meters relative to sea level. I experimented a bit with the inset map properties and decided it looked good with a drop shadow; the legend probably could benefit from the same effect. I changed the background on this map to a blue and added some text to identify the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.  

Statistics

Projected State Populations

This scatter plot graph was created with sample lab data using MS Excel. The goal was to estimate the populations of four states in the year 2050. The graph shows a polynomial trendline for each state as well as the trendline equation. Since we now know the equation, the population (y) can easily be calculated by plugging in the year (x). The graph is then very useful as a reference to check if our calculations are in the ballpark.

Own Your Map

This map shows the general location of the UWF campus in Escambia County. I created a custom marker symbol using the UWF logo from the school's website.

Map Critique

An example of a well-designed map:

This well-designed topographic map of Easter Island jumps off the paper, all while accurately displaying ancient statues and ruins. The labeling on this map is very clear and well placed. The use of varying fonts and colors along with feature symbology eliminates the possibility of confusing ruins for a populated place. The inclusion of the inset map helps to transport the reader from the coast of Chile and across the South Pacific.

An example of a poorly-designed map:

This map caught my eye today when I visited the Fox News website. It is targeted toward Americans who are quickly able to recognize a map of the United States. Its widely recognized shape makes typical map elements such as labeling or a North arrow unnecessary. However, when we take a closer look at this map it becomes unclear as to what exactly the Center for Disease Control wants us to know. We can see something is widespread but what? And the improper use of color falsely indicates that Hawaii is on the verge of becoming widespread. The only thing clear with this map is how one missing map element, in this case a title, can render a great looking map impotent.    

Overview of ArcGIS

My First Map

This is a thematic map of the world based on the country's population; dark green the least populated, red being the most.