This week's lab assignment was to create a map using Adobe Illustrator to hone our skills in the art of cartographic design principles.  Creating a map that has a sound visual hierarchy, balance, and a distinct figure-ground element were vital to successful completion.

To design a map that effectively communicated the subject matter to the viewer I decided to scale the geographic elements from most important to least important according to size. The south Florida layer carries greater weight than the Florida layer, and the Florida layer is given more prominence than the continental US layer.  Each of these layers helps to orient the viewer.  The progressive color-scheme I utilized allows the audience to easily see which counties have the highest percentage of Hispanic populations.

Viewers of this map can quickly see at a glance those counties with a high density of Hispanics residing in Florida and in what percentage range each falls within.  This type of presentation offers a clear, effective method of delivery for those needing a tool to succinctly convey complex information.

Enhancing maps with Adobe Illustrator

First foray into the world of Adobe Illustrator (AI).  Exported from ArcMap to AI then manipulated, organized, & exported this map to JPEG.  AI gives users much more control and flexibility over map's appearance than with ArcMap. Very cool tool.

Lab 1: Map critique

1.    Example of a well-designed map. (Copy and paste jpg in this document)

2.    One paragraph critique of your well-designed map—critique must be supported with 2-3 map design principles.

This is an example of an impressive looking map due to several well thought our design considerations.  First, the map’s title clearly explains what the map is presenting to the audience.  Second, the map has clear, detailed labelling throughout as demonstrated by the wildlife management area game zones being not only numbered but color coded as well.  Finally, this example of a well-designed map presents interesting data in an aesthetically pleasing layout.  The use of space is managed effectively and fully so that there aren’t any large gaps to distract the viewer.  One other observation that I think makes this an exemplary effort is the use of vital mapping elements, such as, a north arrow, legend, who made it, when, and where to get further information.

3.    Example of a poorly-designed map. (Copy and paste jpg in this document)

4.    One paragraph critique of your poorly-designed map—critique must be supported with 2-3 map design principles.

The map above is easily one of the worst examples I saw in the collection on eDesktop.  I chose this map because it is lacking in the exact qualities where my previous map was strong.  There is no title to give the audience an idea what we are looking at.  Do these points reflect shipwrecks, oil rigs, places of interest?  The lack of labelling is equally frustrating as a viewer.  I’m left to wonder what these points could be and why they are important to the map maker.  There are so many mysterious points that it looks overly cluttered.  Aside from the lack of a title and labels, the designer should have utilized better symbology.  The thick white border just makes this mess even messier.