This week we looked at the principles of mapping and analyzed a few map graphics. Here are two that stood out to me:
Well-Designed Map
The well-designed map I chose depicts the Wildlife
Management Area Game Zones of South Carolina. The zones are clearly
communicated with minimal extra information. The legend and labels are color
coded which makes the zones easy to identify. Basic map information like
orientation, scale, data source, and date of creation are all included in space
that does not clutter the map. The layout is appealing to look at and the
placement of the labels around the map graphic is not distracting. In order to
ensure the map is simple only the essential information was included but there
is a note with a website in case you need more information. In all, I think
this map meets the majority of the mapping principles we learned about during
this module.
Poorly-Designed Map
The poorly designed map I chose depicts the location settings
for sitcoms in the United States. At first I thought this map showed the
filming locations for sitcoms until I began to recognize some of the shows. The
data on this map is confusing because it is not directly linked to the cities
it is connected with. There are very few city names noted on the map and no
states are identified which creates some confusion. I think boxes with filled
with show titles or call outs with arrows pointing to city names would have
been more effective. This map is also a little misleading because some show
titles cross over multiple states or are written completely in the wrong state
because of the limited space. This map does not meet the principles of clear
labeling, explaining the data on the graphic itself, or clear presentation and
design.
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