The Objective Of This Section Is To Demonstrate An Understan ✓ Solved

The Objective Of This Section Is To Demonstrate An Understanding Of Th

The objective of this section is to demonstrate an understanding of the cartographic process by creating a digital map from start to finish. You are allowed to use whichever tools or software you prefer to create the map and/or data. A few caveats: (1) You are not allowed to re-create a map you made earlier in the semester. (2) You are not allowed to create a story map. (3) You must change the default style (e.g., basemap, feature color) settings. (4) You are not allowed to use the integrated datasets within CARTO, if you use CARTO. If you decide to create a standard digital map, include it as a separate attachment. If you create a webmap, include a link to your map below, immediately before the written response.

The written response should be approximately 500 words in length and address the following:

  1. How did you conceptualize the idea for the map? What was the inspiration?
  2. Explain the decisions you made in regard to data. How did you source the data? Did you process the data before adding it to the map? If so, how and why?
  3. Explain the decisions you made in regard to cartography. For example: the type of map, color choices, feature size, classification scheme, marginal elements, etc.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The creation of a digital map involves a comprehensive understanding of the cartographic process, from initial conceptualization to final design implementation. In this report, I elaborate on my approach to developing a thematic map that visualizes urban green space distribution within a metropolitan area. The inspiration stemmed from recent urban planning initiatives emphasizing sustainable development and community well-being.

Conceptualization and Inspiration

The idea for this map originated from observations of urban parks and their accessibility in my city. I envisioned a map that would not only illustrate the spatial distribution of green spaces but also highlight disparities in access among different neighborhoods. The aim was to produce an informative, visually engaging map that could inform policymakers and residents alike. The core motivation was to contribute to ongoing discussions about urban nature and its role in enhancing quality of life.

Data Decisions and Processing

Data sourcing was critical to ensure accuracy and relevance. I obtained spatial data for parks, green spaces, and administrative boundaries from local government open data portals and the municipal GIS database. After downloading the shapefiles, I performed data processing in ArcGIS Pro to clean the dataset—removing duplicates, verifying spatial accuracy, and standardizing attribute fields. I also calculated the area of each green space to enable proportional symbol mapping, which would visually communicate the extent of green areas relative to each neighborhood.

Furthermore, I integrated demographic data from national census sources to contextualize green space access relative to population density. This involved joining attribute tables and ensuring consistent coordinate systems for spatial integration. The processing aimed to enhance the analytical depth of the map, enabling viewers to understand disparities better.

Cartographic Decisions

The map was designed as a thematic map emphasizing green space distribution across neighborhoods. I chose a choropleth method, coloring administrative districts based on a classification of green space area per capita. I selected a sequential color scheme from light to dark green to intuitively represent increasing green space accessibility. The classification scheme employed natural breaks (Jenks) to better reflect the data distribution and highlight disparities.

The base map style was customized; I opted for a light, neutral basemap to make the thematic layers stand out clearly. The feature size was governed by the spatial extent of green spaces, with additional borders and labels added for clarity. Marginal elements included a scale bar, north arrow, and legend, all designed with consistency and readability in mind. I also adjusted label font sizes for better visibility.

Finally, to ensure the map's aesthetic appeal and functional clarity, I maintained a clean layout, avoiding clutter and unnecessary elements. The process underscored the importance of deliberate choices in cartographic design to effectively communicate spatial information.

References

  • Brewer, C. A. (2005). Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users. ESRI Press.
  • Slocum, T. A., McMaster, R. B., Kessler, F. C., & Howard, H. H. (2009). Thematic Cartography and Geographic Visualization. Pearson.
  • Kraak, M.-J., & Ormeling, F. (2010). Cartography: Visualization of Spatial Data. Pearson Education.
  • Monmonier, M. (2014). How to Lie with Maps. University of Chicago Press.
  • Harley, J. B., & Woodward, D. (Eds.). (2001). The History of Cartography, Volume 2: Cartography in the Traditional African, American, Arctic, Australian, and Pacific Societies. University of Chicago Press.
  • MacEachren, A. M. (1995). How Maps Work: Representation, Visualization, and Design. The Guilford Press.
  • Robinson, A. C., Morrison, J. L., Muehrcke, P. C., & Kimerling, A. J. (2010). Elements of Cartography. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Slocum, T. A., & McMaster, R. B. (2011). Thematic Cartography and Geovisualization. Pearson.
  • Dent, B. D. (1999). Cartography: Thematic Map Design. McGraw-Hill Book Company.
  • Montello, D. R. (2002). Spatial cognition. In Handbook of Spatial Research Methods, edited by S. Winter, (pp. 15-41).

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