Hello and welcome to the final post associated with my Cartography Skills class. The final assignment was to use a compilation of skills learned throughout the course. It essentially asked the question How would you build a map representing the average SAT score and
participation rate for the entire country?
This question could have just as many answers as there are budding
cartographers in this course. However I will show you below how I answered the question. The objectives for this exercise were to put all of the skills gained
throughout this course semester into practice to build and polish a
professional grade thematic map. Specific focus areas were to present both of
the individual statistics on one map while balancing the basic elements of
cartography: project and classify data for easy interpretation, organize and
maximize map space, demonstrate effective visual hierarchy through figure
ground relationships, label in accordance with typographical guidelines. Then do some summary explanation and interpretation of the deliverable map. Before we get to any of that lets have a look at the map.
Here as stated on the map we are comparing Average SAT score by state with the participation rate of the state. Unfortunately for me, I was almost entirely complete with a map and starting my final paper about it when I realized that I could better portray the data better, such as above. So I virtually re-accomplished the base map. So what did I do? I created a stretched symbology choropleth map as the base, showing a continuous sequential color change from the low composite score of 1200 to the high of 1838 in blue. Then I utilized a Equal-Interval classified graduated symbol in the form of a diploma for a little flair. Essentially, the larger the diploma the more graduate participants by state. I incorporated a drop shadow to he main elements and balanced the overall map gravity to the bottom with the peripheral information. I hope you enjoy the map.
Overall I have learned more than I thought possible about maps, and these seem to be the basics. Cartographic design, gestalt principles, Tufte-isms, all concepts I didnt have a good understanding or appreciation for before the course. I happily look at maps in a completely new light now. All the thematic maps you see on facebook on a daily basis, to mapping sites you visit weekly to get around. I have a much greater appreciation for it all thanks to this course. Thank be to the college and to Mrs Mitchell for this.
Enjoy my continued posts for the other courses in this certificate program.
Here as stated on the map we are comparing Average SAT score by state with the participation rate of the state. Unfortunately for me, I was almost entirely complete with a map and starting my final paper about it when I realized that I could better portray the data better, such as above. So I virtually re-accomplished the base map. So what did I do? I created a stretched symbology choropleth map as the base, showing a continuous sequential color change from the low composite score of 1200 to the high of 1838 in blue. Then I utilized a Equal-Interval classified graduated symbol in the form of a diploma for a little flair. Essentially, the larger the diploma the more graduate participants by state. I incorporated a drop shadow to he main elements and balanced the overall map gravity to the bottom with the peripheral information. I hope you enjoy the map.
Overall I have learned more than I thought possible about maps, and these seem to be the basics. Cartographic design, gestalt principles, Tufte-isms, all concepts I didnt have a good understanding or appreciation for before the course. I happily look at maps in a completely new light now. All the thematic maps you see on facebook on a daily basis, to mapping sites you visit weekly to get around. I have a much greater appreciation for it all thanks to this course. Thank be to the college and to Mrs Mitchell for this.
Enjoy my continued posts for the other courses in this certificate program.
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