baj23_GIS

 This week's assignment challenges us to explore data sets and using graduated and proportional symbology to present data. Graduated symbology utilizes classified data that shows the quantitative differences between data in which data is classified in ranges and a different sized symbol represents that range. Proportional symbology uses unclassified data to represent values in a field using the attribute value.  One challenge in this week's lab was working on the symbology by inputting a picture symbol into the mapping project. Another challenge to the week's lab is adjusting the European country's labels. Due to the close proximity of some countries or the size of the country the label wouldn't fit inside. Many adjustments were made, but there can be further improvements in future projects. 

 Understanding Data Classification  In this week's lab, there are four common data classification methods that are used to present data; Equal Interval, Quantile, Standard Deviation, and Natural Break (Jenks ) .  Our lab allowed us to explore the different types of data classification and visualize how each classification is different from the other. We used data from Florida Geographic Database Library 2010 Census Data of people in Dale County, FL to find the percentage of individuals over 65. There are two maps, one on Classification Methods for Senior Population over 65 and another Classification Methods for Senior Population over 65 per Sq. Mile.  Observations: Natural Break (Jenks ) Classification - Considers natural groups within the data. It minimizes extreme values between data values in the same class and maximizes differences between classes. Using the Natural Break Classification would use the natural grouping of the data to replicate how populations of p...

 Gestalt's Principles   In our week's lesson, we learned about Gestalt's Principles covers cartographic design techniques that allows the audience to better understand a map. Few points about cartographic design and how gestalt's principles apply to map design is understanding the four techniques to display data.  Visual Heirachy Using symbols and ranking methodology to highlight data importance or where you want your audience to focus on in map. You can make single symbols different sizes to represent different classes or highlight their value on the map compared to other data such as population maps.  Contrast  Contrast focuses on differences between map features such as adjustments to size, color, or shape. Sometimes certain color choices such as blues and reds are great for highway and interstates. It can be helpful with a neutral background.  Balance  Balance is the organization of all map elements that fills the space granted for the map pro...

What is typography for GIS?  Typography is the understanding of designing and formatting map features and labels to improve the presentation of subject material. This is done through several ways such as (1) changing letter font into easier read font such as sans serif or Calibri, (2) changing the symbology to match the feature represented (stars for capitals, use blue lines to highlight river features), and (3) changing the position in where labels are located so it clearly labels the feature but also is readable. My Map Customizations The challenge for the lab exercise is to experiment with three types of customizations to better help my map achieve a clear, concise overview of Florida, but also maintain simplicity.  (1) I adjusted the labeling of Major cities so that any duplicates would not be spotted. I also removed cities that were conflicting with the river features as although I could manually re-position and shift all attributes, there would have been too much crowdin...