Maps

Maps

1. Function

   • Storage
   • Create or reinforce a particular message
   • Communication
     • Spatial effects by Phenomena
       • Across/between maps
   • Decision Support
     • Readily interpretable msgs

2. Display: Digital or Paper

   • Transportability, reliability, ease of use
   • Internet: Societal representations of space a real possibility
     • Cartographic products
       • Consumer preference
       • Social deprivation
       • Ethnicity

3. Limitations

   • Single realization of a spatial process

4. Principles

   • Highlight patterns, processes, illustrate results
   • Controls in Map Design
     • Conditions of Use
     • Audience
     • Map Scale
     • Available Data
       • Discrete vs Continuous
     • Reality
       • National Border
     • Purpose
       • Reference or Thematic Map
   • Core: Motivation, Tools, Techniques

5. Data

   • Nature of Source
     • Quantitative
       • Symbolizing layers
         • Layer
           • A count
           • A ratio (%)
           • A rank (High Med Low)
         • Representations
           • Graduated colours e.g. Saturation
           • Graduated symbol classes e.g. varying circle sizes for earthquake magnitudes
           • Dot densities
           • Charts
             • Across spatial areas
           • Classes
             • Define Class Boundaries
     • Qualitative
       • Data Evalutation
         • 1 Attribute
           • Relative
             • Representation with value intervals i.e. Stepped representation
               • Classification of data
                 • Class boundaries
                 • Width of intervals
                 • Grouping of classes
               • e.g. Choropleth Map, Proportional Symbol
           • Absolute
             • Continuous representation of data amounts
               • Decision or representation type
         • Several Attributes
           • Absolute
             • Represent with diagrams
               • Decision on diagram type
   • Structure
     • Data Model
       • Scope
       • Capabilities
       • Process
         • 1. Data Collection
         • 2. Edit/Maintenance
         • 3. Data Management
         • 4. Analysis
         • 5. Map
     • Embodiment
       • Media
         • Videos
           • Live or recorded
         • Images
           • Emoticons
           • Photographs
         • Music
           • Incl. microphone
       • Text
         • Word description, captions, comments
       • Geographical
         • Geo-tag
         • Physical origin of data

6. 'Integration of well-designed geographical data displays with graphs in a coordinated manner adds a critical perspective to our analyses where geographical location is a meaningful part of the story.'

7. Powerful data interactions + Thoughtfully designed maps = Clarity + Communication