Geography 360
DUE DATE : 6 June
This exercise requires you to apply your knowledge of cartographic
technique and design to produce a high quality map. The choice
of subject and presentation is yours. We would like you to pick
a challenge, but not a major research/production project. We have
instructed you in thematic mapping, so that would be the most
likely bet, although a really well-executed general map could
fit the bill. If you need a map for some other class's paper or
project, then this is a perfect opportunity to create it. We encourage
you to combine your efforts in this way. Hopefully, both projects
will be the better for it.
With the map, submit a short explanation of the specific design
choices you made with regard to your intended audience and resources
available. Your audience might be the readers of a journal, magazine,
or newspaper article; the viewers of a poster presentation or
of a slide in an oral presentation. The explanation should include
the reasons for your selection of the data set, method of classification,
symbols used, scale, typography, base map, etc. - basically, everything
we've talked about in lectures and labs and what's in the textbook.
The emphasis is on the map, though a text explanation is necessary
to place it in context.
Print your map on the printers in the Sherman lab or other
STF facilities. You have a 10 page quota on the Canon color printer.
When you print, there will be a warning that you are near your
quota, but do not worry. Ask the TAs for additional print quota
if required.
You may find databases, both spatial and attribute, on the WorldWideWeb
or in the digital holdings of the Map Library and Government Publications
both in Suzallo. We suggest that you use existing geographic base
files, that can be located on the Geography server.
You aren't restricted to using ArcMap, but it's probably the best
choice. You may also be familiar with, and have available to you,
other mapping programs and equipment. Use them if you like. Keep
in mind that design flexibility is one of the reasons computerized
mapping is viewed as an advance and that computer printers rarely
produce wet ink blotches. Neatness counts.
A presentation session will occur during the last lab meeting of the class. This is OPTIONAL. Successful presentations will receive up to 10 additional points credit on the final map assignment.
1 hard copy of your thematic map output
1 written description (see essay guidelines) of