Module 3 - Cartographic Design

    This week, in the third Computer Cartography lab, was about Cartographic Design. 

    In this module, we honed in more on the how to make the layout of the map look pleasing. This involved using Gestalt Principles, Visual Hierarchy, Contrast, Figure-ground, and Balance to make the map read a lot better. With these map design elements, we strove to make a well-informed map from the Washington D.C. area, specifically ward 7.

    In the map below, I honed in to make sure there was enough contrast between elements as well as good use of figure-ground, visual hierarchy, and balance. With contrast, this was in the points for elementary through high school growing in size and going from a light color to a dark color. With figure-ground, I made sure ward 7 was lighter color and darkened the surroundings. This goes well with visual hierarchy as ward 7 is emphasized by figure-ground and remains the focus. While with balance, it was making sure no one element was overpowering another and placed where they would not interfere with each other. All those elements combined make map great and made it read a lot better had I not used them.

    I made this map in ArcGIS. Most of the data was already provided so it was easier to begin working at once on the map. In doing so, I had made sure all the information I knew would be helpful was placed onto the map and editable. With it, I changed point and polygon colors to make them palatable, and emphasis what was important and what was not. With the names for the neighborhoods, I made sure to make their shapefile clear for the names only to be visible. With the shapefile visible it would have created more disharmony within the map ,so utilizing this made it read a lot better. Most of the time I spent in this lab was in the layout. This is where I made sure to balance all my features and text so that everything was legible. Thus, I was able to make the map you see below. 

    Overall, this module has made me feel more confident in my map making. With the elements learned and eventual feedback, I hope I can create an even better map.




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