Choropleth and Proportional Symbol Mapping

Module 7 – Choropleth and Proportional Symbol Mapping

For this week’s assignment we were asked to create a Choropleth Map Wikipedia" This it as a map that provides an easy way to visualize how a measurement varies across a geographic area as well as showing the level of variability within a region.  The data source for the map was a geodatabase (gdb) for Europe – NUTS Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics and Wine Institute for 2012.  I used AcrMap 10.3 to setup the map with the classification color scheme and proportional/graduated symbols. We needed to add an inset map and a north arrow, scale bar, and legend to the map.  I exported it as AI extension (Adobe Illustrator).

The map below shows wine consumption in Europe by population density.  For this map I chose a dark green to light green for my classification color scheme, and flame red circles for the proportional/graduated symbols.  I used Quantile classification for this map. Quantile: Divides the total data range into equal numbers of observations, then the values are placed into groups by their numerical order.

This map took me a long time to complete. I am still new to Illustrator and trying to understand how the layers work and how to use the program as a whole. I feel more confident, as I gain experience, and I am sure that with time, it will get better.

Data Classification

Module 6 - Data Classification

On this week’s assignment we were asked to classify data from the US Census Bureau 2010 for the Miami-Dade County area. Using this data in ArcMap 10.3 we were asked to make a map showing all four types of classifications Equal Intervals, Quantile, Standard Deviation and Natural Breaks.

Equal Intervals: Divides a set number values into groups that contain an equal range of values.

Quantile: Divides the total data range into equal numbers of observations, then the values are placed into groups by their numerical order.

Standard Deviation: Are numerical value used to show how widely based divisions are in a group which is above or below the average value.

Natural Breaks:  Tries to reduce the values within the classes and maximize the values between the classes. 

This was a fun map to make. I enjoyed putting it together and figuring out how to layout the four different classifications and seeing how the same data is displayed in each classification. I am not sure if I understand how all the classifications work and how should they be used, but I will keep working to understand them and I am sure in time, it will become more clear to me.

Spatial Statistics

Module 5 – Spatial Statistics

For this week’s assignment we went to ESRI Training website. We then setup and account for its virtual campus training where we started the course titled Exploring Spatial Patterns. We downloaded the geodatabase (gdb) for Western Europe Weather Station; we also had to complete the training and five exercises.  

In the training you learned about different types of geostatistical analysts, like Mean Center, Median Center, and Directional Distribution. In addition we also learned about Histogram, and Normal QQ plots and the information you can get from them.   For our lab assignment we were asked to create a map in ArcMap10.3 showing the Mean Center, Median Center and the Directional Distribution for the Western Europe Weather Station.  Finally, we added a North arrow, a scale bar, the title, and a subtext explaining the map’s data. 

Cartographic Design

Module 4 – Cartographic Design

For this week’s assignment we had to use a geodatabase (gdb) for the Washington D.C. and the Ward 7 area schools using ArcMap 10.3.  In addition, for this assignment you needed to add locator insert map emphasizing the Ward 7 area.  In the main part of the map you gave less importance to the US highways, main roads, and local streets.

In this assignment after importing the necessary features like schools, surface water, roads and boundaries you adjusted the area to focus in on the Ward 7 area.  Once that was completed, you needed to decide on a color scheme. I used a website called Color Brewer http://colorbrewer2.org/  as it was suggested as part of the lab instructions. It was a great help for picking a color scheme and showing you the differences.   For this map, color, contrast and balance played a large part of the map but, you also had to emphasize the school districts in Ward 7 by school type elementary, middle, and high school.  And deemphasize other features like parks, highways and boundaries.  For this assignment you had to pay close attention to the lab instructions and make sure you picked the right color so that they did not stand out and take your attention from the Ward 7 area.