Module 2 - Layout and Essential Map Elements of Cartography

   This week, in the second GIS lab, it was about learning how to make an effective map layout, but also how to add essential map elements with concerns to cartography. 

    The lab started with reviewing the metadata that is linked to the assignment. The metadata contains all the information about the cities, counties, interstates, etc. that we use for the labs. This information being the year the data was relevant, the data type, who created the information, and the coordinate system used. Continuing on from learning where to find the metadata, the lab began in earnest by needing to make two maps. One was to be all of Florida as an inset map with Escambia County highlighted, and the main one to be just Escambia County. This proved fruitful in learning how to set the references for the maps used at this scale, but also figure out the extant boundaries in different measurements. 

    After setting up the map layout, the next step was to prune data for only for the desired area. This resulted in plotting the two major cities of Escambia County, Freeport and Pensacola, and highlighting University of West Florida's location. The lab also had us highlight the major rivers and the interstates that are also in Escambia County. Following up on this, the focus then was on the color elements each point should be, including labeling with the text tools. Lastly, this then resulted in adding the essential map elements, these being the legend, the title, scalebar and compass. Which in the end, resulted in the completed map below. 

    This lab was very informative, in part how to get information we need from the metadata, but also how to make a pleasing map. As the layout and elements of the map must not overpower the knowledge it can give. A cluttered map wont help anyone, but a well made and organized map will. 



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