Week 6: Chloropleth Maps (part 2)

Attached is a grayscale map of the 1990 to 2000 population change data by U.S. state. This map is prepared using Equal Value classification. Using Excel, I grouped and calculated division-specific population changes in this time interval.

Percent Population Change by Division

Northeast Region
New England Division: 5.42%
Middle Atlantic Division: 5.50%
Midwest Region
East North Central Division: 7.49%
West North Central Division: 8.94%
South Region
South Atlantic Division: 18.83%
East South Central Division: 12.77%
West South Central Division: 17.76%
West Region
Mountain Division: 33.04%
Pacific Division: 15.07%

Week 6: Chloropleth Maps (part 1)

Here is my first map for the Week 6: Chloropleth Mapping skills lab. I am submitting this now to try to meet the deadline...argh. ...more to come... :)
Learning lots! ...and lovin' it! :)

Week 5: Hispanic Population in South Florida

This map was produced using Adobe Illustrator. It began with several map elements that were arranged and modified and then exported as a png file. The neatline was actually produced in Fireworks. Once I had completed my proposed map layout, I was having alot of trouble moving some of the elements into position. After getting everything into its current position, the neatline was still problematic. So, I opened the png file in Fireworks, a software of which I am more proficient. I chose the blue legend color scheme. The expansion lines were used to show connectivity from the USA Map to the Florida Counties map. To create a visual progression to the primary map, I changed the colors on the Florida Counties map to map the scheme that I was using for the Hispanic Population map. I lined up the left edges of the USA Map box, the legend, and the "Produced By/Source Credit" box to create a sharp-edge "feel" along the left margin. It took alot of thought for me to come up with the layout progression the three maps...I did not want to put each one in a box because I thought it would be distracting. The legend and the Hispanic Population map are lined up to present them as a logical "pair" and the others are lined up to hopefully offer a logical flow from the large extent (USA) to the magnified map of the south Florida counties. Probably the main change that I would make to the map at this point is to lower the two inset maps and create more spread between the top of the neatline and the top of the USA Map box line. I am better with Adobe Illustrator than I was at the begining of the day, ...but there is ALOT more to learn! :)

Week 4: Map Lettering

This map presentation began with a base map that outlined the land masses that combine to form the zone of the Florida Keys referred to as Marathon. The area includes a series of smaller keys along with the primary island key of Marathon. The primary objective of this assignment was to become familiar with the fundamentals of the Adobe Illustrator softward package. Clearly, the software is a powerful resource. Currently, I feel rather "fumbly" and "stiff" with the use of the functions offered by this softward, but I anticipate that time will permit me to work out the kinks. Go UCONN Women's Basketball! ...no better team out there! :)

Week 3: Data Classification

The first map is a comparison of four data classification methods (Equal Interval, Standard Deviation, Quantile, and Natural Break). The objective is to discern the optimum data classification method for the map reader to best understand the relationship being described (i.e. black population) and to clarify distinctions in the census data among census blocks in Escambia County. NOTE: One of the revelations that came to me from this exercise is that the cartographer may inadvertantly or intentionally direct the observer toward an interpretation of the data based on the choice of data classification. Because the typical observer will look first at the general appearance of attributes on the figure (and then, subsequently, at the details...i.e. legend details, data classification-type, etc.)...it is critically important that a cartographer practice with the highest level of integrity and character so as not to falsely direct the interpretation of data through one's map.



I have chosen the Quantile Classification to be the optimum choice for map selection that presents these data. Based on resolution of the legends (all legends held constant at "4" categories), the Quantile Data Classification gives the broadest spread of categories throughout the map while the other data classification methods each produce a monotone spread throughout Escambia County with the exception of the urban area (Pensacola). As long as an informative legend is provide that categorizes the population ranges, the Quantile method permits the broadest zone distinctions and enhances the interpretive value of the map.