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.

Summary of Final Project--Storymap

This was a very time-intensive project that brought all lessons learned in GIS 4043/5050. It was very rewarding and I continued the learning process throughout the design, research, analysis, and map production.

There are many lessons learned that I have captured in previous posts. As part of the project, I created a Cascade Storymap from ArcGIS Online. Though this had some excellent tools and attributes, I wish it had functionality a little closer to Power Point or other presentation tools. However, I do like that you can place an interactive map into the presentation.

Here are some of the tools I would recommend to be integrated:
--Ability to change font.
--Manipulation of each section to include picture placement, text location, etc.
--Ability to remove or re-position titles of slides.

The URL to my Cascade Map is:  http://arcg.is/1PPmK0

Below is my summary map that displays all criteria analyzed during this project. This summary map is also integrated into my Cascade Storymap as an immersive map.

Summary Map of Bobwhite-Manatee Transmission Project.
All features are added to this map and all symbology is consistent with
previous maps. This map is a "one-pager" that brings all criteria together and
presents the overall analysis.
Bottom line, the corridor meets all criteria and balances the need for additional
electrical power capacity with the impact on the environment and community.

Google Earth

After collecting the data in Collector, the lab required me to share the data as a Google Earth file and an ESRI map package. I created two .kml files (.kmz if in zip format)--one from ArcGIS Pro and one from ArcGIS Online. This was very easy, but the files were much different in size and in the way the data was portrayed.

I imported both .kml files to Google Earth Pro (online). I was unable to display the files simultaneously, but I could toggle between both files. As with all Google Earth applications, the output was beautiful and I could pin the data for others to see.

I also created a map package to share a map with someone not connected to the network. This operation was very easy, to include the synchronization between ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online. This is a very powerful tool in the event that someone does not have access to these programs, which are very expensive.

All in all, I really enjoyed this lab and look forward to building my knowledge base further.

ArcGIS Collector and Sharing Maps

Lab 3 was quite fun and creative. I was introduced to ArcGIS Online, which synchronized with ArcGIS Pro at my work station. Additionally, I operated ArcGIS Collector, an intuitive, powerful tool, especially for emergency management personnel. The assignment required me to pinpoint five public safety objects and plot them on a map via Collector (real time or offline). I chose fire hydrants because of their importance and effect on rental insurance premiums.

In ArcGIS Pro, I created domains (parameters and descriptions of the feature class) for the fire hydrants. I portrayed the fire hydrants' condition using a Red-Amber-Green format (with a qualitative definition). The steps were straightforward and intuitive, and the concepts built upon the previous lab assignments.

Once the feature class was complete, populated to my map, and scale and extent were updated, I shared my map as a "Web Layer" with the UWF persons. This option is unavailable unless you are signed into ArcGIS Pro. Once I configured the feature layer and analyzed for errors, I published the map, which populated onto ArcGIS Online (must sign in).

I adjusted the feature layer, I added it to my web map and shared with UWF.  I easily downloaded ArcGIS Collector to my Android phone and added locations and pictures to my map, taking less than 30 seconds per location. The map updated in real time on my phone. When I opened ArcGIS Online, my points were also updated and could be opened on ArcGIS Pro. I was very impressed that all my points, descriptions, and photos were either plotted on my map or available by clicking the location.

My story map is located at  http://arcg.is/1SmXXX if you have access to ArcGIS Online, UWF Group.