DUE DATE : Lab session 14/15 May
Goals of this Exercise:
A well designed map effectively communicates the nature of geographic
space or the spatial distribution of phenomena. A good critique
of a map will discuss the effectiveness with which its information
is communicated, the mechanical or aesthetic considerations in
the construction of the map, and the interactions of these characteristics.
For example, a pleasing and elegant graphic may be more persuasive
than a cluttered or unbalanced one (or vice versa).
In this assignment, you are to find a map and nominate it for
the distinguished Map Design Booby Prize. Remember that it is
the map, not you, who will receive this award. Submit a copy of
the map (or preferably an original in all its glory), along with
a 2 or 3 page written nomination, in which you describe your map's
cartographic faux pas and design blunders (refer to Dent
and class lectures). Explain how the map's design and construction
cloud the issue or fail achieve the map's apparent intent. Evaluate
how the GRAPHIC ELEMENTS (visual variables) have been manipulated
to construct the COMPONENTS (design methods) within the limitations
of the apparent CONTROLS (constraints). Be sure to explain the
intended function of this map, as far as you can make it out.
Maps should be published sheet maps, and they should be thematic maps, not general or base maps. Identifying a map as a thematic map may be tricky, but the title is a good indicator. Sources might include newsmagazines and advertisements, but a quick trip to the Map Library in Suzzallo may turn up some outrageous examples which are parts of national map series or atlases. The World Wide Web has many potential nominees; there will be a special category for URLs of bad map design on the web. Avoid simple, column-wide newspaper "locator" maps although these are often horribly done. Look for maps which make imaginative use of color or other symbols. Remember, some maps which deliberately distort space, violate cartographic conventions, or otherwise re-orient you, might actually be well-designed for their peculiar purpose. Keep the map's purpose in mind when you select it and when you write up your criticism. A map which just uses many colors may not be REALLY bad, look for the flagrant violations..
Turn in your written nomination together with the map. If you are unable to submit the actual map, then a xerox will have to do, but unless the original is black and white, the reproduction may not do it justice, and this may affect judging (but not grading). The most abominable maps will be selected by the students in each section. The finalist will be selected on 16 May in lecture from among "the most abominable" selected in sections.
Version of 31 March, 2003