Module 7: Choropleth and Proportional Symbol Mapping

     For this week's lab, we worked in ArcMap to create a choropleth map with 3 data frames. I used graduated symbols to portray wine consumption, European population density, female population percentage, and male population percentage. To create this map, I began by uploading a data set containing the population density for European countries. I used a sequential color scheme under the properties>symbology tab for this layer to display the quantities. I decided to use the quantile classification method because I felt that this classification method gave the best distribution. The population density data needs to be normalized to have a more accurate representation.  I then adjusted my break values for the gender populations so it can be easily understood. The last data frame I added to the map was the data frame showing wine consumption per capita. I decided to use circle shaped graduated symbols in a wine-red color to represent this data in a way that is clear but still provides visual interest. Once I finished tweaking all of my data frames, I went on to add the essential map elements and adjusted the color ramps a little bit until I was satisfied with my final product.

Module 6: Data Classification

In this module we learned about four common data classification methods: Equal Interval, Quantile, Natural Breaks, and Standard Deviation. For our lab assignment we were instructed to create a map depicting the percentage of the population above 65 in Escambia county using each of the four data classification methods mentioned. My map is comprised of four data frames, top left is the Natural Breaks classification method, top right is the Quantile classification method, bottom left is the Equal Interval classification method, and bottom right is the Standard Deviation classification method. Each frame has its own legend displaying the class ranges, this is necessary since each classification method organizes its classes differently. Also essential map elements were added, such as the title, north arrow, and scale bar.

I created this map using ArcMap following the lab protocol. The shapefile of Escambia county that was used contained a plethora of information collected by the 2010 US Census Bureau. In order to label the census tracts with the information I wanted (percentage of pop. above 65) I had to search among the many fields under the (Label Properties>Symbology>Quantities>Graduated Colors) 'value' drop-down list. My next step was to determine an appropriate color ramp, used to represent each class. I usually have difficulty when it comes time to choose a color scheme.  For three of the data frames I chose a color ramp with increasing gradient to depict a change from low values (light colors) to high values (dark colors) but took time finding one that had strong contrast between colors in order to easily differentiate each class. For the Standard Deviation frame an increasing gradient color ramp is not appropriate since all of the data focuses on a center point, for this method a divergent color ramp is best. After making sure all the data frames were assigned to a new classification method and had accurate information it was time to switch over to layout view and start making my document look like a map! Layout view shows the full extent of your page and is used to organize and balance your data frames and all essential map elements. Only in layout view are you allowed the option to create a legend under the 'Insert' tab. In layout view I finalized my map by adding all legends, titles, and essential map elements. Most of my time spent on this lab was spent attempting to achieve balance in my map. A quick Google search led me to the ArcGIS resources page which provided me with a lot of useful information on how to align objects and organize data frames. The ruler and grid lines were also very helpful during the alignment process.

Module 5 - Spatial Statistics

For this week's lab, we went through the ESRI Virtual Campus Training to learn about spatial analysis. Specifically, we learned about different tools we can use to perform some spacial analysis and how to choose those tools. This map is the result of the Median Center, Mean Center, and Directional Distribution tools in ArcMap applied to a map of weather monitoring stations in Western Europe. These tools were very easy to use, especially given the detailed instructions provided by the ESRI Virtual Training Campus's module "Exploring Spatial Patterns in Your Data Using ArcGIS". As you can see, the Mean Center and Median Center of this map are very close together, meaning that the values on this map are neither too clustered nor too dispersed. The distribution of data points on this map is pretty regular. In addition, the ellipse shows us that a decent sized portion of the data falls within one standard deviation of the mean center and that the orientation of these data points is approximately East-West.

Module 3: Cartographic Design

      For Module 3, we were to create a map that represents the public schools in District 7 of Washington D.C. in order to demonstrate what we have learned about Gestalt’s Principles of perceptual organization including the principles of visual hierarchy, contrast, figure ground, and balance.  The map above was created entirely in ArcMap following the provided lab instructions and guidelines from the textbook. I did not have much trouble creating this map, as our instructions were pretty straightforward and I felt confident in my understanding of what we learned in this module. My main challenge was choosing an appropriate color scheme for the land feature on the map. I decided to go with variable shades of green, because it is of high contrast to the map symbols for the schools so it makes them stand out nicely. I also decided to go with green because I felt that it made sense to make a land feature green. When it came to organizing the essential map elements on the map, it really just took me a lot of playing around with the layout of the elements on the page until I came up with a map that I felt followed Gestalt’s principles and was visually pleasing while effectively conveying the message of representing the locations of public schools in District 7. 

Module 5: Projections - Part I

This week in Intro to GIS, we focused on learning about some of the different types of map projections and how to work with projections in ArcMap. For the lab, we used ArcMap software to create a single map that showcases three different projections (on three different data frames) of the state of Florida: Albers, UTM Zone 16, and State Plane N. Included on each projection on the map is the square mileage of 4 different Florida counties to demonstrate the difference between the projections. This lab exercise gave me the chance to explore how I can work with different projections in ArcMap. I was able to visually compare different projections of the same area side by side to get a better understanding of how how each projection is different. I learned that even if my data set has multiple layers with different projections, I can still work with the layers to create a map for visual effect. However, this feature has a downfall in that the resulting map won't be as reliable for any in depth analysis as a map that has layers with the same projection.  To solve this kind of problem, I learned how to use the Project tool to change the coordinate system or projection of a data set.

Module 4: GIS Technology

     For this module, we went onto the ESRI Training site to learn about ArcGIS Online and map packages (how to create, export and share them online) .To begin, I created an ESRI account so that I could access the virtual training courses for this module and for future use.
     The first training course, "Creating and Sharing GIS Content Using ArcGIS Online," taught me about the wide range of capabilities that ArcGIS Online has. There was a series of slides that I went through and within them there were two short videos that I watched which discussed the capabilities of ArcGIS online and the multiple methods for sharing GIS content.The training videos that I watched in this course and the next were very effective in teaching me about the different tools provided by ArcGIS online; they were both concise and informative. Since I like to have a visual reference while learning new concepts, I appreciated this part of the course.
     The second training course, "Creating and Sharing Map Packages in ArcGIS" contained another series of slides with descriptive material, example scenarios, exersizes that guide you through the software, and questions to test yourself with as you go along. Contained were two more short videos that I watched which taught me about map and tile packages and how to extract and reference data. I felt that this training course was really helpful because the videos showed very clear step by step instructions as the speaker described the processes. Overall, the ESRI virtual training courses were easy to navigate and incredibly informative.
     After going through the training courses, I completed the "Optimize a Map Package" exercise.

Cartography Module 4: Typography

     For this module's lab assignment, we were to create a map of Marathon, Florida while following the general typographic guidelines for labeling the features that needed to represented on the map. I used CorelDraw design software to label and edit a map that were were provided with. The map was a plain base map of the Marathon area with no labels. I added the labels to the map using the text tool and I edited the text in the text properties window. I created curves for the labels by drawing a 3 point curve and clicking on the curve with the text bar to type on it. While doing this, I tried to keep in mind the general typographic guidelines. I provided unique label points for the areas of interest that were assigned for us label by using the text tool and trying out the different ESRI fonts to find symbols that were appropriate. There may have been a more efficient way to do this but I could not figure it out. I added an inset map to show the general location of Marathon, Florida with respect to the Florida Keys. I tried to choose a color scheme that would appropriately represent Marathon.  I added all other essential map elements to follow the protocol for creating a successful map. 
     We were also instructed to add three personal touches to our maps to make them unique. These are the three that I decided to go with:

1. I added a subtle wood grain texture to the background of the legend to help make the style of the map unique to the area it is representing. I felt that wood grain would has a nice natural appearance and the Keys are known for having beautiful natural features. I stained it blue to stick with the color scheme I chose for the map.

2. I added an orange conch shell near the title mainly for decorative purposes. I believed it would help me achieve my goal of trying to give the map a style that uniquely represents the Keys since conch shells are found in the keys.

3. I decided to add the phrase “The Heart of the Keys” beneath the title because Marathon, Florida is sometimes referred to as the heart of the keys, which seems appropriate given its location in relation to the rest of the Keys. 

     Overall, this module was pretty fun and helpful to go through. I struggled with CorelDraw when I first started working but as I progressed through the module (and had to repeat some of my work that I lost when eDesktop shut down), I got the hang of how to use the tools. I used this module as an opportunity to explore the software so that I can better understand the features it has to offer. After I  was finished, I felt like I learned a lot about map design and CorelDraw.