GIS5007 - Module 3 - Cartographic Design

 

        This week, Module 3 was focused on basic Cartographic Design principles. Some of the learning outcomes were to establish a visual hierarchy to emphasize important map features, apply contrast, employ figure-ground, and ultimately achieve map balance. This map was created in ArcGIS Pro with data from District of Columbia Open Data. Some of the tools I learned to use in this lab were the curve text, more SQL Queries, the dissolve tools to make better-looking roads, and the clip tool to only display schools in Ward 7. 

        To implement a visual hierarchy, I used several components. The title is the largest text on the map, in bold black with a white outline, making it prominent and eye-catching and introducing the map primary purpose, this is where the viewer naturally look first. The school symbols uses a visual hierarchy by using a more distinct red color to stand out against the pale white and gray background. The size difference in the school symbols helps viewers differentiate from them quickly. The scale bar and north arrow are smaller to place a less significant emphasis on them. 

        To achieve contrast,  I used a color contrast of red for the school’s symbols to make them stand out in comparison to the grey background of D.C. and the white of Ward 7. The title uses a white outline and big bolded text to make it pop out at the viewers. Neighborhood names are in black, bold, uppercase font, contrasting with the light background to remain easily readable. High School icons are larger and shaped differently (with a different red shade) than Middle and Elementary icons, creating visual contrast between school types. Roads and boundaries are drawn in bold yellow and red lines, providing structure and visibility against the soft-toned map base. The purple dashed line around Ward 7 in the inset map contrasts with the solid black D.C. borders, visually distinguishing it. 

        To establish figure-ground relationship,  Ward 7 is outlined distinctly and filled with a light beige background that separates it from the surrounding gray-toned areas of Washington D.C. and Maryland. This strong contrast ensures Ward 7 pops out as the main “figure” against the muted surrounding map (“ground”). Areas outside Ward 7 are gray, which recedes visually and keeps the viewer’s focus on the colorfully marked schools and neighborhoods inside Ward 7. Inside Ward 7, red school icons stand out clearly against the pale background. Bold neighborhood labels stand out but are only placed within Ward 7, reinforcing the idea that Ward 7 is the focus.

        Some of the things I learned this lab was using the "OR" instead of "AND" in SQL Queries when including multiple entries so they would all shows. I also learned that using the dissolve tool alongside the included gallery of roads is a great way to save time and visually enhance aesthetics. Using a bold white outline in your main title text is also great way to add a little pop to your title.