Cartographic Skills - Map Critique

GIS 3015

Module 1 Lab: Map Critique

NAME: Pablo Perez

Provide the following in the space provided below:

1.      Example of a well-designed map. (Copy and paste in this document)

2.      One paragraph critique of your well-designed map—critique must be supported with 2-3 map design principles.

I have selected the SCWildlifeZones.jpg map as an example of a well-designed map.  The map represents the various wildlife management game zones within the State of South Carolina.  The representation minimizes map crap and is effectively labeled.  The number of information-carrying dimensions depicted do not exceed the number of dimensions in the data; and the map maximizes data-ink ratio.  The map contains clear, detailed and thorough labeling to defeat graphical distortion and ambiguity.

3.      Example of a poorly-designed map. (Copy and paste in this document)

4.      One paragraph critique of your poorly-designed map—critique must be supported with 2-3 map design principles.

I have selected the AirNow.jpg map as an example of a poorly-designed map.  I feel this map is not effectively labeled and lacks in mapping substantial information.  I believe the map intends to represents the air quality index for specific dates within a date period.  Unfortunately, I can’t figure out the specific dates of the various measurements shown.  Consequently, the map lacks in principle number 7 – Clear, detailed, and thorough labeling should be used.  The map intends to depict interesting data but it lacks in principle number 1 – Graphical excellence is the well-designed presentation of interesting data; and principle number 2 – Graphical excellence consists of complex ideas community with clarity, precision, and efficiency.  Too much complex data not properly labeled and represented.