1. GIS Lecture: Basic Mapping

2. Outline
Map Design
Colors
Map Layers
Map Output
Map Layouts

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

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

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

6. Layer Properties

7. Symbol Selector

8. Changing colors
Choose color, more colors…

9. Transparency

10. Labels

11. Label Halos

12. Map Output

13. 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?

14. 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

15. Map Layouts

16. 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

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

18. ArcView Layouts

20. Example of a bad map...

21. A better map…

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

23. Summary
Map Design
Colors
Map Layers
Map Output
Map Layouts