Module 3: Cartographic Design

 Module 3: Cartographic Design

This weeks module is about doing the cartographic design and using Gesalt's Principles of Visual Hierarchy, Contrast, Figure Ground, and Balance. Visual hierarchy also uses the intellectual hierarchy of thematic maps which is starts with: Thematic symbols and type labels that are directly related to the theme; Title, subtitle, and legend; Base information such as boundaries, roads, place-names and so on; Scale and north arrow; Data source and notes; and Frame and neat lines. The next Gesalt Principle Contrast which is the visual differences between map features that can be distinguished. Another Gesalt Principle Figure Ground is the method of accentuating certain chosen objects over other by making the chosen objects appear closer to the map user. Lastly, the Gesalt Principle Balance is the organization of the map elements of empty space that results in visual harmony and equilibrium. Being able to use these principles helps make your map look the best it can be for the viewer. Also, it makes sure the cartographer is constantly working for the best map. 

This weeks map focuses on Ward 7 public schools in Washington D.C. and using the Gesalt's Principles of Visual Hierarchy, Contrast, Figure Ground, and Balance. The way I implemented visual hierarchy in my map was by making sure the symbols were obvious in the map and that you knew what the map was trying to represent. Having the title be bigger but not the main focus is helpful to give the viewer an idea on what I am representing. Also, when trying to represent the roads I made the everyday roads a subdued color so you can see them but not obvious. Whereas the interstates and the state highway I made sure to add the label so the viewer can see where they are in the world. Lastly, I put the north arrow, scale bar, and data source at the bottom of the map. The reason I did that is so the viewer can see it easily but not be in the way of what the map is showing the viewer. The way I achieved adequate contrast in my map was by making the schools the same color but different sizes. I made the elementary school smaller and got progressively bigger when looking at the middle school and high school features. Also, I made sure the area of Ward 7 was a different color to show the exact location of what is being represented. When doing the neighborhoods I made them 10-point size and the same font as the rest of the map. This helped show neighborhoods but not be in the way of the rest of the map. Lastly, having the roads be a lighter color but easily seen shows the landscape but does not cause too much of a jumble on the map. The way I established figure-ground relationship in my map was by making the area of Ward 7 lighter than the rest of the map to show what I am trying to represent. Also, I made the schools purple to show the exact feature I am trying to represent. I made them the pinpoint because I thought it showed the exact location of the feature better than the schools over an area. Also, I made the Anacostia River a lighter blue with a darker blue outline. This is able to show the distinction between Washington D.C. and Ward 7. The way incorporated balance was by putting the legend in the top right, so it was obvious what is being represented on the map. At first, I had put the inset map on the bottom right, but the background of the inset map and the area were the same, so it was hard to tell what the map was showing. Then I moved the inset map on the top left to show you can see the contrast of the inset map and the map. Lastly, I put the north arrow, scale bar, and source data at the bottom right of the map to cover the area but not crowding the area. There was still some open area, but it is okay since it is not completely blank.