GIS3015 - Cartographic Skills - Student Spotlight

Instructor: Penelope Bishop Mitchell, TA: Brandon Deusenberry

 Module 7: Choropleth and Proportional Symbol Mapping

In the Choropleth and Proportional Symbol Mapping lab students were tasked with presenting European population density and wine consumption per capita on one map.

Students used the choropleth thematic mapping method as well as their choice between proportional or graduated symbol mapping to get the job done.  They also called upon their data classification knowledge to best present the data sets.  Lastly, the maps were polished using graphic design capabilities of Adobe Illustrator.

Learning Outcomes:

• Choose an appropriate color scheme for a choropleth map
• Create appropriate legend for classification scheme and map type
• Implement appropriate classification method for population data
• Utilize SQL Query language to manipulate data presentation
• Utilize proportional or graduated symbols
• Optionally create effective thematic picture symbols
• Compile map in accordance with cartographic design principles
• Use Adobe Illustrator to polish map into publishable material

AND THE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AWARD WINNER IS: Rachel Hamaty!

Rachel did an excellent job clearly presenting the two datasets on one map.  The population density dataset has been displayed using a quantile classification scheme, which gives a clear spread of the population data.  She opted to use graduated symbology with a manual classification to display the wine consumption dataset.  The symbols and associated labels are neatly placed and easy to read.  The enlargement inset map does a great job highlighting an otherwise hard to see region, whilst also effectively breaking up a crowded area of the map.  The color schemes chosen are color blind friendly and allow intuitive interpretation of the datasets.  Map space is used to its full potential, with map content as large as possible for easy viewing.  The background symbology provides geographic reference and promotes figure ground distinction of the area of interest.  Although, I wanted to see a more in depth map subtext, Rachel’s professional map execution could not go unnoticed.  Nicely done Rachel!

Follow Rachel's work here: http://rachelhamaty1.blogspot.com/