CARTOGRAPHY
ASSIGNMENT 5: MAP DESIGN AND LAYERING
Lisa Keys-Mathews
Department of Geography
University of North Alabama

• To gain a basic understanding of designing computer maps,
• To practice good map design techniques related to mapping a variety of layers,
• To learn to make good decisions regarding selecting data layers relative to a project topic, and
• To practice computer mapping using ArcView GIS.

PROCESS:

Georgia Lakes and Tourism has asked you to create a map that will be used as a part of information fliers for tourists. These fliers will be available at the state "Welcome Centers" and through Chambers of Commerce. You job is to:

• Determine what layers to use,

• Establish how the maps features will be displayed (symbols) and labelled, and

• Create two well-balanced and designed maps which are drastically different in their layout.

The layers available to you are as follows: highways, county boundary, water features (lakes and rivers), city boundaries, and hotels. Make sure the maps are easy to read and have enough, but not too much, information. These maps are a study in good map.

Once you have created your maps, observe your designs. In writing, critique your designs. What is good? What is bad? What problems did you encounter in the design portion of the project? What would you change? What does the map reader get from your maps?