Dynamics

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In the last three lectures, we have surveyed methods for visualizing dynamic events and phenomena, including Minard’s model, small multiples, animations and interactive maps. We’ve also developed a critique of these methods based on principles of cartographic style (Tufte), the limits of human perception and cognition (Tversky) and the tension of intentional design and exploration/discovery.

For your final post, please find and critique an example of a ‘map’ that exemplifies one of the four methods identified above. Please note that you may skip the ‘key words’ for this final post.

Human Environment

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For Friday, please critique a map or other graphic that represents one or more of the following:

  • the surface and interior of a human-modified environment
  • the complex shape of an object, building, or other 3D feature
  • the functions, activities or emotive responses of a place

Terrain

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This week we’ve begun our pivot from principles of traditional cartography to the influence of digital methods on spatial representations. In some cases, digital methods can be seen as facilitating methods of representation that were previously only within the reach of masters, like Raisz and Imhof. In other cases, digital methods are changing the rules of representation, moving from abstraction to realism.

For Friday, please find an example of a terrain map and comment on the following:

  • describe the map with respect to abstraction versus realism
  • how are visual variables used?
  • how does the purpose and/or audience of the map influence the above?

semiology of graphics

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This week we discussed flow maps, network maps, spatial metaphors and cartograms. This final flush of models completes our initial survey of map types going into the week when you will create a potential entry for the bizarre map challenge.

For your post this week, pick one example of any of these four types of maps and critique it following Bertin’s theory of graphics:

  • what is the invariant?
  • what are the components?
  • how are the components mapped to visual variables?

Mapping Distance

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This week we’ve considered ‘distance’ from different angles (so to speak):

  • as a property that can be preserved with projections
  • as a property that depends on modality and can be expressed with respect to time
  • as an attribute that seems more related to the subjective concept of proximity than the more definite property of length

Please find an example of a map that conveys a sense of distance and comment on it below.

Guide Maps

Please find an example of a guide book or gazetteer and evaluate how it presents spatial information to help the reader plan a tour of a region. Please note that the discussion prompt has changed slightly from last week.

Categorical Maps

“People reading categorical thematic maps should gain an understanding of overall patterns and relationships among different kinds of geographic phenomena.  The main objective of a categorical map is not to present an inventory of individual features, as is the case with many special-purpose and reference maps. Base information on thematic maps helps map users compare characteristics of their home or a place of particular concern to the patterns evident in the map theme” (Brewer 2008, 103).

Please post your evaluation of a categorical thematic map below.