Technical Workshops | Esri International User Conference San Diego, California Evaluating the Visual Impact of Maps Kenneth Field and Damien Demaj July 25, 2012

Kenneth Field

Damien Demaj

/ ArcGIS Resources - Mapping

Outline of session Why a checklist approach to evaluation? Cartographic Requirement Cartographic design principles - devil is in the detail Putting the pieces together and publishing online Synopsis, final checking compromise C ART opportunity O GRAPH why Y

Why a checklist approach to evaluation? Map User GIS User Map-maker Cartographer Knowledge Transfer

Design is crucial to communication in GIS Large database Equal Treatment No inherent design Data Processing Function Meaning Design

Evaluation as part of the design process

Cartographic Requirement

What’s the story?

Maps are complex graphics Written/spoken word: SERIAL Graphics: PARALLEL

Cartographic requirement Audience Media resolution Viewing distance Output medium Anticipated level of understanding Conditions of use One map or multiple maps What areal extent to show Insets

Demo: requirement

Web maps and basemaps What is a web map? Interactive Multi scale Shared via the web Operational layers and basemap layer What is a basemap? Contextualizes Support Changes infrequently

Cartographic design principles

Visual hierarchy

Demo: visual hierarchy

Visual contrast

Figure-ground

Demo: figure-ground

Projections Online map services WGS 1984 Web Mercator (Auxiliary Sphere) ArcGIS Online Bing OSM Google

Demo: projection

Symbol palette spacing size shape orientation hue lightness

Symbol meaning

Demo: symbols

Classifying data

Feature generalization Large scale Small scale

Feature generalization Simplify Smooth Aggregate Amalgamate Collapse

Feature generalization Merge Refine Exaggerate Enhance Displace

Demo: feature generalization

Colour – sequential Sequential (Example of “Sequential”)

Colour – diverging (Example of “Diverging Critical Class”) Diverging Critical Class Diverging Critical Break

Colour – qualitative Qualitative (Example of “Qualitative”)

Demo: colour

Typography Position Style sans serif serif Conflict CITIES Towns villages 5 point 7 point 10 point 12 point 18 point 24 point Size Purpose

Demo: typography

Putting the pieces together

Marginalia in web map apps Map/app title Main map Pop-ups Dynamic legends Sliders, clickable icons Multi-media content Credit and source

Demo: layout

Synopsis

Please complete an online session evaluation 1. My UC Homepage > “Evaluate Sessions” 2. Choose session from planner or search for session ID for this session: Offering #1 ID: 670 events.esri.com/uc/2012/sessionEvals