Module 6B--Flow Line Mapping

This was an optional exercise that utilized Adobe Illustrator in total to produce a map that shows immigration by continent and by percentage to U.S. states.

The assignment was great practice using AI and developing flow lines. Once all the objects were placed on the map, I chose to separate my continents and place them in an arc around the inset map of the United States (which already displayed the states as a choropleth map using five manually derived classes.

The biggest portion of the exercise was actually drawing the flow maps and modifying them to an appropriate shape. This was easy using the line tool in AI and then manipulating the anchor points. The challenge was determining the stroke of the line, which was proportional to the amount of immigrants to the United States. In order to determine the stroke width, I used an Excel spreadsheet that provided the immigration numbers for each region. I then determined the proportional weight by first determining the square root of each region's immigration numbers. From there, I used the following formula:

Width of Line Symbol = (Size of Largest Line I Want) * (SQRT of Region Immig/SQRT Max Value)

Though it seems difficult, it was very easy using excel. The only challenge to this was for converging lines, where you split the difference of the lines so that they converge to the proper width. The only reason this was difficult for me was because I tried to use lines that had transparency adjusted. This caused an overlap which I could not remove. If the lines are solid, this is not an issue. Another consideration is to make sure the lines do not overlap other lines or terrain and are presented appropriately. I chose to build my flow lines in a new layer and then placed this layer below the continents layer so that the flow lines originated from behind the continent and stopped short of the inset map. I then changed the colors of the lines to match the color of the continents. 

Once the essential map elements were built, I then modified the flow lines to show an inner glow, a drop shadow, and a bevel. The lesson here was that in the appearance tab, the bevel and extrude effect had to be above the inner glow and drop shadow so that the bevel was on the line and not the other effects. I then adjusted the bevel to make them look three dimensional and in perspective.

A word of caution, many of these effects (especially 3-D) use a lot of memory, which can slow processes or reduce the ability to add new effects. To finish the map, I used file-export to export the map to a .png file.

Flow Map depicting 2008 Immigration Numbers by Region and Percentage to each State.
Projection: Winkel Tripel

Module 5--Choropleth Mapping

For this module, I produced a choropleth map that showed the population density of European countries along with wine consumption per capita. The task was to properly show both variables on the map using either proportional or graduated symbols. For extra points, I chose to use pictures of wine bottles in lieu of the default template (circles).

For the data display, I chose to use graduated symbols and the quantile data method with four classes. I did not need to normalize the data, because the data was already normalized in the attribute table (wine consumption per capita). To me, the quantile data method with four classes provided the best granularity to perceive and understand the differences in each variable. Additionally, I excluded four countries from the data set because they were outliers--high population density, tiny area, insignificant wine consumption. Additionally, the graduated symbols were easier to manipulate than proportional symbols. For proportional symbols, I had to set the lower limit and the sizes were manipulated automatically. For graduated symbols, I could manipulate the size for each class individually to ensure the viewer could perceive differences.

For the actual map, I used the Albers Equal Area Conic Projection because it was important to maintain the area throughout the map when comparing/analyzing data that has an areal perspective. I chose to use a purple color ramp to display population density because it reinforced and complemented the overall theme of the map--wine consumption. I also added an inset map to show the Balkans area, as this was too crowded on the main map to be usable.

Population Density and Wine Consumption (per capita) in Europe

I prepared most of the map in ArcGIS Pro. The biggest challenge was importing the wine bottles. In order to import the bottles, I found free, non-attribution clip arts that were in .svg form. I then imported the bottle and manipulated the size and other aspects to ensure that they would be added just like any other graduated symbol. In order to move the wine bottles, I converted the wine bottle symbols to graphics, which allowed me to move them. I did the same with the text to ensure there was no overlap and everything was sized appropriately.

For my base map, I used the Ocean base map in ArcGIS Pro. I then added bold italics names for each main body of water, though I altered the size based on the magnitude of the body of water. I also curved or bent my text to convey water flow.

Once all my essential map elements were complete, I then saved it as a .pdf because ArcGIS Pro no longer has the functionality to export to Adobe Illustrator. Once saved as a .pdf, I then opened a new project in AI from the .pdf file. I then touched up and added higher level graphics through AI: Moved wine bottles and names, added drop shadows to Atlantic Ocean, added inner halo in legend and other text boxes. I wanted to add an inner halo to the countries; however, this would cause issues with interpreting the population density. If this were just a regular map (not graduated), I would have added an inner halo.

The biggest issue for manipulating features in AI from a .pdf is that there are hundreds of components nested many times that you must manipulate. You must also control/click each component of the feature to ensure all are manipulated the same. For instance, I had a halo around the countries on the main map. In order to resize or move a country's name, I had to click on numerous components so that they were all changed in the same way.

 My advice to everyone is to be meticulous and systematic, especially when manipulating so many different features. I chose to pick a group of features and toggle between visible/not visible to locate it and then I manipulated as needed. Once I finished I went to the next feature in the right pane. Otherwise, it would be very frustrating to find the features by clicking on the map.

Overall, though very tedious, this was a fun exercise and I learned quite a bit. I can definitely tell that my competence and confidence have improved.

Lab 2—Typography

Objectives:

--Produce a map in ArcGIS Pro, share to ArcGIS Online, input into Adobe Illustrator.

--Design a map and ensure all essential elements are in place.

--Label the map in accordance with typography guidelines.

--Utilize tools to symbolize and label features properly.

--Export the map to a picture file (.jpg).

For the Typography lab, I created a simple map of Marathon Key, Florida with an inset map of Florida. Once the maps were created and the coordinate system was set to Albers Conical Equal Area, I shared the map so that it would be visible in ArcGIS Online.

From there, I refined the map through Adobe Illustrator, which is a powerful tool to refine a map product. Though it is not very intuitive and can be rather daunting, it offers many more design features than ArcGIS Pro.

My main map is of Marathon Key, Florida at 1:100,000 scale. The inset map is the southern counties of Florida at 1:4,600,000 scale, as required in the instructions.

The inset map only displays the southern counties of Florida (in green to match the main map) with a red box showing the location of Marathon Key. In order to build a scale bar, I used simple division to convert the units of measure to a usable, even number. I then drew five alternating black and white boxes that were as wide as my number and assigned a representative distance. Ensure there is no stroke for the rectangles or the size will be larger than the scale represents. I added a border around the grouped rectangles by drawing a line the same size, increased its stroke, placed it behind the grouped bars, and then grouped the background and the bars.

For the main map, the colors of the land features match the colors of the inset map, but I adjusted the transparency to allow some terrain to show. To find the required features, I used Google Earth and plotted themed point feature symbols onto my map. Along with the themed symbols, I adjusted the size and color of the labels to correspond with the importance/significance of the feature (blue, italics for water; black for cities, brown for cultural, green for islands). For water, I either curved or waved the italics labels to represent water flow and adjusted the size of the label based on the relative size of the water feature.

Marathon Key, Florida. 
Typography Lab, Module 2 in Albers Projection. Main map is at 1:100,000 and Inset is scaled at 1:4,600,000.

Because the map had many features close together, I used leader lines. I used the pen tool to draw the leader lines and ensured that they were the same stroke, generally the same angle, and did not touch the feature or label.

I then added the essential map elements:

--Border/Neatline—I added a rectangle and placed it at the bottom of the layout tab. I adjusted the stroke and color as needed.

--North Arrow—There is a symbol for this in the Symbols option, but I made sure it was not too large or obtrusive.

--Map Information—I used the Text tool (T) and added my name, date, and data sources in black with small font. I decided to add the GCS, too.

--Title and Subtitle—Used the text tool; used the largest font on the map and had it in bold/black to catch attention.

--Orientation—Landscape because of the size and shape of Marathon Key. If I had it in portrait, the map would have been very crowded and would not display required features.

--Legend—I used the rectangle tool and curved the corners. I then copy/pasted all the symbols that I used on the map and added labels. To improve the appearance, I used the alignment tools.

--Scale Bar—Was the most difficult portion for me because I overthought it. There are many videos that show how to make the scale bar with different systems, to include Adobe Photoshop. Though there is a method to create the scale bar, I was not able to manipulate the size or units while maintaining an accurate scale. I made Marathon Key’s scale bar as described above; however, I made sure there were smaller increments below zero.

Once I finished and refined the map, I exported it (check the "Use Artboard" option) to a jpeg file and then adjusted the resolution (high). Be sure to check the appearance of the photo so that nothing is distorted or misplaced.

In summary, I created the base map in ArcGIS Pro and then shared it to ArcGIS Online. I then imported the map to Adobe Illustrator and refined the map to be more presentable using the numerous tools and options in AI. I transformed the map (using the map board and compilation tab) into an Artboard, from which I modified Marathon Key to a finished product. In order to enhance my map, I used a drop shadow behind the islands, which provided depth. I also used themed point symbols as described above, and altered the color, size, and appearance of the labeling. I did not want to include too many customization, as this could turn into “map crap” and take away from the purpose. In the future, I will try inner shadows like one sees in atlases and large maps.

Though there was a steep learning curve to AI, I learned a lot. My recommendation is to follow any instructions closely, make sure the layer tab is organized, and to take your time. Walk away from the project for a bit if you get too frustrated. Also, leverage You Tube videos. There are plenty that show great tips and time-saving techniques.

Module 1--Importing ArcGIS Pro Maps to Adobe Illustrator

This assignment started out quite easily; however, I hit a few snags that I am trying to determine if it was my issue or an update to the software. Overall, it was a neat assignment and I am impressed how I can use ArcGIS Pro, transfer a web map to ArcGIS Online, and then export that map to Adobe Illustrator to actually design the overall map. I am not sure yet, but I think this might solve some of my best recommendations about usability and tools to design a map.

A few lessons learned, so far includes:
--I could not save my files directly from Adobe Illustrator, because it is on my personal laptop, whereas I use the GIS virtual desktop from UWF for all my GIS functions. I overcame this by saving those items to my desktop and then dragging them over to the share drive on the GIS portal. I am waiting to see if there is another method, so I don't continue to do this the hard way.
--I had serious issues finding some of the buttons for tools, especially the toggle lock tool to unlock editing to manipulate my extent. I never did find the tool and I am hoping to resolve this issue.

The results of the lab is the below map which was produced in ArcGIS Pro, exported to ArcGIS Online, and then exported to AI. I know I have a lot to learn, but I look forward to it.

Adobe Illustrator Map of Florida.

In the above map, the counties are outlined in black and colored in pink. Wetlands are colored in green and major cities and the capital are symbolized by dots. Since this was just a lab focused on learning the exporting procedures, I did not modify the symbols, as the cities are difficult to see and Tallahassee blends in with the other major cities symbols. Additionally, there are no essential map elements, as are generally required.

GIS 5007 Introduction

Well, I am beginning my third GIS course and my third course for this degree program. I look forward to learning about computer cartography, which will include Adobe Illustrator.

I joined this program because I am very interested in cartography. As a U.S. Army Infantryman, I was very reliant on maps and my ability to navigate. I developed a very keen interest in maps, so this was a natural fit for me. Additionally, the more I learned about GIS, the more I understood that its applicability is very wide and deep. It is not just about making maps, there are many other tools that use GIS as a base.

As I have stated before, I am very close to ending my 30+ years in the U.S. Army. All good things have to end and I have done my time...it's time for the younger folks to take over. Therefore, I wanted to obtain more technical skills, especially with regard to computers and information systems. Though I might regret it later, I am happy that I will learn some coding in future classes.

As part of this course, I had to create a story map on ArcGIS Online, much like the story map I created as part of my final project for GIS 5050. However, I did not use the Cascade version, but the newer version.

If you would like to look at my story map, it is at:

http://arcg.is/0uiOeO

or

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6f05cbc30b654d018578fd39e6edb8ab

I look forward to building my knowledge base throughout my studies.