assignment overview

The objectives of this assignment are:

  1. to get you thinking about the many different kinds of decisions that go into making a good map or graphic;
  2. to create a resource that helps illustrate good design principles for different kinds of spatial visualizations.

Each week, I will introduce a different type of problem in spatial visualization. Your main task is to then find at least one published example of this kind of visualization and then write a concise blog post that evaluates the content of the map or graphic.

Your entries should follow the following format (for more info, follow the links):

  1. Full citation for your map
  2. Keywords
  3. Discussion

Over the course of the semester, I would like you to critique at least one paper map (not a scanned paper map but something that you can actually hold in your hands that has been printed at its original resolution). That said, the college library has an excellent web page that will help you find maps online to evaluate.

Please post your comment prior to our class discussions and be prepared to discuss your evaluation with peers.