Module 1 - Map Critique

In our first module of GIS3015 Cartographic Skills class, we received an introduction to the history of cartography by visiting a timeline of:

• the oldest map findings in Sumeria (present day Iraq) and China;
• early and important contributors, such as Eratosthenes, Ptolemy, Gerhardus Mercator, and the Cassinis; and
• early types of maps like the T-in-O and Portolan Chart maps.

Additionally, we learned about Edward Tufte, who established the "20 Tufteisms" in his book The Visual Display of Quantitative Information; John Krygier's "6 Commandments" in his book Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS, and the British Cartographic Society's Five Principles of Cartographic Design – all of which have become to be acknowledged as fundamental, best practiced, mapping design principles.

To aid in understanding these principles, we were tasked to evaluate both a well-designed and a poorly-designed map, while simultaneously recognizing aesthetics that are appealing to us so that we can begin to develop our own cartographic style. Below are my synopses of my findings.

Example of a Well-Designed Map

This map can be viewed online by clicking here.

“Clear Creek Region 3 Map” displays multiple qualities that adhere to cartographic best practices and design principles, making it an exemplary representation of a well-designed map. To begin with, this map contains substantial information (Commandment 1, Krygier); not only is it detailed and comprehensive, but it is also meaningful. It is meaningful because the data it represents does not change often or quickly. This is the type of map that can be studied for hours, and each time you see it, you will find something new, and wonder, “Wow, how was all this put together?” A very specific characteristic that supports this argument is the table entitled “Activity Guide” which displays activity opportunities at each of the parks, number of parking lots available, and trail mileages. Another great feature that really stands out is the “Trail Difficulty Rating” symbology in the legend. This type of data takes time to gather, and time to effectively depict on a map, considering all other factors not mentioned.

“Clear Creek Region 3 Map” also does a fantastic job in its effective use of map labeling (Commandment 3, Krygier). There are so many tiny customizations in this map; such as color contrast, color transparency, font size, font color, font (in general), symbology, organizational order of data (in the Table of Contents) that went into making this map, that has made an enormous difference in achieving legible, valuable, and useful results. At first, it might seem logical to make these types of customizations, but the more data there is, more variables are involved, and thus it becomes more difficult to create a final product that works. This map in particular, hosts about 25 point features, 9 polyline features, and 9 polygons. And still, you will notice that no symbols or text labels overlap another or each other. Additionally, all symbols used in the map are clearly displayed in the legend, leaving nothing behind for interpretation or assumption. The labeling in this map is also consistent; the cartographer continues the same labeling style outside the map data frame into the other map elements.

Finally, “Clear Creek Region 3 Map” utilizes a highly functional map layout that maximizes the use of space (also known as map real estate), for a well-balanced finish (Commandment 5, Krygier). For example, the map appropriately uses a landscape orientation which fits the shape of Region 3 (see the “Map Extent”). The map elements (such as title, legend, scale bar, table, etc.), are aligned parallel to the map data frame, making all the information flow clearly, which allows for effective reading, viewing, and navigating. The map layout does not interrupt the flow of information displayed, nor is it confusing to follow, nor does it cover up, overlap, or distract the reader from important spatial information — yet it is still easy to find.

I Like This Map, A Lot

This map appeals to me aesthetically because of the same 3 commandments as described above. I find it to be a very compelling and skillful art to master effective map labeling when a lot of data components are in place — from experience, I know it’s not easy. Additionally, I like maps that can last a long time. Sure, I know that more trails will be built, and that more picnic tables will be added, and thus this map will need updating. But the data portrayed in this map goes beyond that; it’s full of meaningful information that can still come handy years later. And finally, I really like clean, un-cluttered map layouts. I don’t like it when map elements are randomly placed in data frames. I prefer it all be on one side because it’s easier to navigate to if you get lost. It just keeps things orderly, and makes things look more professional and reliable. During my geo-journey at UWF, I will try to assimilate a cartographic style like the one of this map.

Example of a Poorly-Designed Map

This map can be viewed online by clicking here.

"Approximate oil locations from April 28, 2010 to May 2, 2010” map displays various negative qualities making it a poorly-designed map because it does not follow the conventions of best practices in cartographic map design. Specifically, this map does not effectively use labels (Commandment 3, Krygier) to portray useful or informative data to its audience. If you look closely, there are many items that are labeled that are unknown such as the numbers in the white space, the meaning of the pink dotted lines, and the non-use of transparency in the “days” for the polygon features.

Additionally, this map uses a poor, impractical map layout (Commandment 5, Krygier). As you can see, the title box and the legend are at opposite sides of the map. Since the map is already puzzling, having this layout just adds on to the disorientation a reader might feel.

And finally, this map lacks evaluation (Commandment 6, Krygier). There are too many vague representations in this map, which shows it did not go through a proper edit session amongst peers or supervisors before making it a publication.

Areas of Improvement

Three areas of improvement I would like to recommend would be:

1. Use functional transparency symbology on the polygon features to better display the effect of the oil spills;
2. Come up with a more concise title heading and then after it, provide a subheading with more information if needed; and
3. Make sure everything on the map that is labeled has an appropriate symbol in the legend so that nothing is left behind for interpretation or ambiguity.