GIS Lecture: Basic Mapping

Outline Map Design Colors Map Layers Map Output Map Layouts

Map Design Art of designing maps Choice of symbols, colors, text, patterns Arrangements of graphic elements in visual display Aim of achieving communication

ArcMap Interface Menus Buttons Table of Contents Map Frame Layer actions Layer Properties

Table of Contents (TOC) Organizes your layers Group logically and rename Polygons, lines, points

Layer Properties

Symbol Selector

Changing colors Choose color, more colors…

Transparency

Labels

Label Halos

Map Output

Map Output Overview Do I know what my map’s story is? Am I using the right map projection? Is my symbology clear? Do my symbols match my data? Have I used the right text symbols? Does my map have figure-ground organization? Does my map have good visual hierarchy? Do I need to add anything else to my map? Have I asked for a critique?

Map Audience Map Use: Exploration Presentation Audience: Trained Analyst General Public Purpose: Visual Thinking Communication Advantages: Graphical Believable Granularity: Fine Coarse Symbols: Abstract Mimetic Granularity – can be more classifications Course – fewer classifications and bright colored hooks are needed capital railroad

Map Layouts

Map Layout Elements Main map Map title and subtitle what, where, and when Legend Data sources Graphic scale North arrow Rectangular boundary (neatline) Inset (overview) maps

Map Layout Elements Other components Data table Chart Additional text Photographs Decorative items (drop shadows, logos, etc.)

ArcView Layouts

Example of a bad map...

A better map…

Multiple Maps – Comparing Data One layout can contain multiple maps Use rulers and grids Same legends

Summary Map Design Colors Map Layers Map Output Map Layouts