Technical Workshops |
Esri International User Conference San Diego, California
Evaluating the Visual Impact of Maps
Kenneth Field and Damien Demaj
July 25, 2012
Kenneth Field
Damien Demaj
http://resources.arcgis.com/en/communities/mapping/home/ ArcGIS Resources - Mapping
Outline of session
• Why a checklist approach to evaluation? • Cartographic Requirement • Cartographic design principles - devil is in the detail • Putting the pieces together and publishing online • Synopsis, final checking
C A R T O G R A P H Y
Why a checklist approach to evaluation?
Map User
GIS User
Map-maker
Cartographer
Knowledge Transfer
Design is crucial to communication in GIS
Large database
Equal
Treatment
No inherent
design
Data Processing Function Meaning
Design
Evaluation as part of the design process
Cartographic Requirement
Maps are complex graphics
Written/spoken word: SERIAL
Graphics: PARALLEL
Cartographic requirement
• Audience • Media resolution • Viewing distance • Output medium • Anticipated level of understanding • Conditions of use • One map or multiple maps • What areal extent to show • Insets
Demo: requirement
Web maps and basemaps
• What is a web map? • Interactive • Multi scale • Shared via the web • Operational layers and basemap layer
What is a basemap?
• Contextualizes • Support • Changes infrequently
Cartographic design principles
Visual hierarchy
Visual hierarchy
Demo: visual hierarchy
Visual contrast
Figure-ground
Demo: figure-ground
Projections
Online map services • WGS 1984 Web Mercator (Auxiliary Sphere)
ArcGIS Online Bing OSM Google
Demo: projection
Symbol palette
spacing
size
shape
orientation
hue
lightness
Symbol meaning
Demo: symbols
Classifying data
Feature generalization
Large scale
Small scale
Feature generalization
Simplify
Smooth
Aggregate
Amalgamate
Collapse
Feature generalization
Merge
Refine
Exaggerate
Enhance
Displace
Demo: feature generalization
Colour – sequential
Sequential
(Example of “Sequential”)
Colour – diverging
(Example of “Diverging Critical Class”)
Diverging Critical Class
Diverging Critical Break
Colour – qualitative
Qualitative
(Example of “Qualitative”)
Demo: colour
Typography
Position
Style sans serif
serif
Conflict
CITIES Towns villages
5 point 7 point
10 point 12 point
18 point 24 point
Size Purpose
Demo: typography
Putting the pieces together
Marginalia in web map apps
• Map/app title • Main map • Pop-ups • Dynamic legends • Sliders, clickable icons • Multi-media content • Credit and source
Demo: layout
Synopsis
Please complete an online session evaluation
1. My UC Homepage > “Evaluate Sessions”
2. Choose session from planner or search for session ID for this session: Offering #1 ID: 670
events.esri.com/uc/2012/sessionEvals