discussion

dynamics

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.

previous prompts

You don’t need to respond to the prompts listed below. They’re listed here just to provide context for past comments.

human environment

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

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?

week 5

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?

week 3

If distance is an objective property of the map, then please comment on the following:

  • what projection is being used?
  • what kinds of distortion are evident on the map?
  • how is scale represented?
  • any other comments on the design?

If distance is a subjective attribute of the map, then please comment on the following:

  • how does the map symbolize distance?
  • does the subjectivity of distance constrain the audience that can understand the map?
  • how is scale represented?
  • any other comments on the design?

week 2

The main body of your post (not including citation and keywords) should be concise (~200 words, 300 words max) and provide specific examples that illustrate how the form and content of the maps reflect:

  • the goals and modality (purpose) of the target audience;
  • perceptual and capacity constraints of the target audience;
  • scaling relations between reference and representation.

week 1

Layout

  • What other elements (besides the map itself) are on the layout?
  • What is effective about the arrangement of these supporting elements?

Level of Detail

  • Is the level of generalization appropriate for the map’s purpose?

Graphical Language

  • How do sign variables (symbols, type and color) imbue the map with meaning?