GIS 3015 – Cartographic Skills - Student Spotlight

Module 9: Flowline Mapping

Module 9 required students to undertake Flow Line Mapping. Flow maps utilize lines of varying width to depict the movement of phenomena between geographic locations. Students utilized Adobe Illustrator to create a distributive flow map to illustrate global immigration figures into the United States. Lab materials provided base maps produced in ArcMap, and left students with the task of rearranging continents and creating proportional flow lines and corresponding legends in accordance with design principles.

The spotlight this week goes to Rachel Gwin! Rachel’s flow line map stood out for its clear presentation of data. Her systematic map organization and inclusion of supplemental information information is the map’s selling point. Flow lines and U.S. immigration data stand out above all other map elements. The map’s design demonstrates a competency with Adobe Illustrator--the flow line styling and placement is subtle yet effective, the corresponding line and continental colors facilitates easy map interpretation. The choropleth legend has contiguous legend swatches in keeping with textbook choropleth legend design. The horizontal legend orientation is ideal for legend placement within available map space. The map elements are balanced throughout the page, with all objects being sized appropriately for easy viewing. Map information provides correct data sources, projection as well as other helpful information to aid in correct map interpretation. See Rachel's blog post for more details about this assignment. Excellent work Rachel!!