Final Project

Cartographic Skills Final Project

         For the past twelve weeks, in the GIS3015 Cartography Class, we have been learning how to design maps using different skills. We learned basic cartography skills, we learned to critique maps, and design maps. We also learned about Datums, Coordinate systems and projections. We worked with typography, introducing map elements; land partitioning systems, as well as spatial statistics that helped us develop more elaborated maps. In addition, we were introduced and were able to practice with many thematic methods.

          All these skills, specifically the thematic methods, helped me create this final project map. This map was created to show college entrance exams scores for the United States by state, for the 2014 SAT scores.

          The scores are collated by test participation and the mean score totaled for critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores are shown by state. Next, the states where broken up into four sections allowing for better visual understanding at the glance of even an inexperienced eye, which was the goal in creating this specific map.

          In the preparation of this map, I chose a bivariate choropleth thematic method. This specific type of thematic method, allows you to combine two colored choropleth maps into one map. This technique allows for complementary colors and is easy for the map reader to understand the information.