“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.
Steinback, Charles. “Coho Distribution” (map). Atlas of Pacific Salmon. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2005. P. 85.
Thematic map, geographic, multi-temporal (part sequence, part snapshot), portable object, map in an atlas, primary sources, GIS, globe, preserves direction, toponyms, area reference symbols, hypsometric tints, territorial map, no indication of movement.
This map of Coho salmon distribution is simple and easy to interpret. The only other elements on the layout are the legend, which is straightforward and uses a logical color scheme, and the caption, which articulates patterns on the map to enhance the reader’s understanding. The absence of a scale bar is appropriate because it is an extent that most people are familiar with, and lines of latitude and longitude provide a kind of scale reference that still works even though the Mercator projection distorts distance. The goal of the map is to show Coho spawning distribution at present and indicate to some extent how it has changed over time. It is unclear whether the “limited spawning distribution” reflects a change from the past or not, and there is no category for areas that were historically not Coho spawning areas but have become so. The color scheme will make sense to most people who are familiar with traffic lights. The slight hypsometric tints give the land some texture and are helpful as a reference for people who are familiar with the terrain of the north Pacific. The indication of major rivers, specifically the Yukon, Kuskokwim, and the Columbia, help readers visualize the deep inland spawning that occurs in those rivers. The level of generalization of the inland spawning areas is appropriate for the lay audience this atlas is intended for, but the ocean distribution boundaries could be a bit more artful. The blocky and abrupt boundaries at the northern and southern limits of the data imply to the informed reader that the data simply extend no further, but it might be confusing to some who read it and believe that salmon abide by sharp linear boundaries. It might be best to keep it the way it is unless it is possible to indicate that the data extend no further without suggesting any information about the actual distribution of Coho beyond those boundaries.
Citation: Geographic Resources by State from the University of Arkansas Libraries (June 2002). “Boulder County Zoning” (map). 2 cm = 4 miles. http://www.bouldercounty.org/gis/downloads/dl_pdf_files/dl_zoning.pdf. Accessed on February 11, 2010.
Key Words: Thematic map, snap shot, portable object, image on a computer screen, graphics software, planimetric, preserves distance, direction, and scale, area reference symbols, land use map.
Discussion: This map shows the zoning boundaries in Boulder, Colorado. The layout of the map is fairly simple; the map contains a title, legend, scale bar, directional symbol pointing to the north, copyright and disclaimer statements, and a Boulder County logo. The arrangement of these supporting elements is effective in several ways. First of all, the title is large and at the top so that the viewer can clearly see it. Additionally, the supporting elements don’t take up too much space, so there is plenty of room for the actual map. Also, the different elements of the legend are color-coded, so it is very easy to figure out which zones correspond to the elements of the legend. Also, the scale is very easy to see and use. The only place where the supporting elements fail is the directional symbol. In an attempt to make it look like a mountain (given Boulder’s location), the directional symbol looks more like a decoration unless closely examined.
Since the purpose of this map is obviously to show the viewer the locations of the zoning boundary lines in Boulder County, as well as to show the viewer the purpose of each zone (i.e. Forestry, Agricultural, etc.), the level of generalization is certainly appropriate. Obviously, the map doesn’t accurately portray what the landscape actually looks like in Boulder County; however, that is not the purpose of the map and it is therefore useful to NOT see land surface details (e.g. contour lines, etc.). By making the map somewhat simple in terms of the landscape portrayal, the author makes it much easier for the viewer to interpret.
The fact that the map is made to fit on a standard sheet of paper (8.5” by 11”) doesn’t really help in this case because it makes most of the map extremely difficult to interpret. Large areas (such as Forestry and Agriculture) are easy to recognize; however, smaller areas (such as Business) are very hard to find because they are so small.
Citation:
Global Soil Maps. “Great Soil Groups.” 1:2,000,000. http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/esdb_archive/EuDASM/africa/maps/afr_ghgsg.htm. Accessed on 12 February 2010.
Key Words:
thematic map, geographic, snapshot, stationary object, image on computer screen, primary sources, pen and ink, planimetric, retain distance/direction/area/shape/scale, toponyms, soil map, bona fide boundary
Discussion:
This soil type map was originally produced as a printed map but was made available online in digital form. The conversion to digital representation limits the resolution of the map as well as its visibility within a single visual field. The map layout, although well organized and comprehensible, requires significant modification. The legend hides a portion of the country boundary, uses quotation marks excessively, and displays an overly complex color scheme. The small letters contained within each category are unnecessary if the color scheme is improved. Similarly, the striping is also unnecessary if the color scheme improves. The striping currently confuses the reader as it seems to indicate a new classification (striped vs. non-striped). The color scheme could be further improved by giving similar soils similar colors. For example, the forest soils could be different shades of green and the savannah soils different shades of yellow
The map also does a poor job of correlating soil type to other geographic features such as topography or river systems. The acid gleisols, for example, appear to be correlated to river systems, but the rivers are identified as thin black lines, whereas convention demands thicker blue lines. Similarly, the soil mosaic in the southeast corner of the country appears to be an alluvial plain, but the lack of topographic representation makes this unclear. It is likely that the soil type is also correlated to topography so the map would probably benefit from the inclusion of contour lines. The identical coloration of the Gulf of New Guinea, the Ivory Coast, Volta, and Togaland is also misleading. It is important to visually differentiate between water and land to give a more accurate geographic understanding of place. The city and country labels are appropriate sized and colored but the text within the scale bar is unnecessarily small.
http://www.granit.unh.edu/MapLibrary/MapAtlas
NH Granit (November 2007). NH Statewide Map Atlas: Land Cover 2001 (map). Durham, NH: NH Granit.
Keywords: reference map, geographic scale, long exposure, portable object, poster, secondary source, GIS, planimetric, distance, direction, area, shape, scale, land cover map
This map is one displaying land cover variation in the state of New Hampshire. It has all the basic map elements: title, legend, scale bar, compass rose, and lat/long coordinates on the side. The categories shown include developed, agriculture, forest, water, wetland, cleared/other open, and tundra areas. It is probably intened for general reference. The spatial organization of the map makes sense, with all the technical elements on the left side of the map neatly fitting in the empty space next to the state’s outline. The legend is organized by category, and while the colors are very clear they could have benefitted from showing the color in the context of others within its legend box, similar to some maps in Brewer’s book. The legend’s text size is also disproportionate to the map, and makes it seem as though it, and not the map, is the focus. The color schemes are appropriate – the categories are grouped by colors that intuitively match the subject.
It’s unfortunate that the map seems to be made to print out on an 8 ½ by 11 page, because the detailed data is almost unintelligible when viewed in the context of the entire state. It is possible, however, to see overlaying patterns. Most of the state appears to be forest-covered, large bodies of water are clearly visible, as are tundra and exposed bedrock regions. There is no typonymy and no clear reference points beyond the basic physical characteristics of the land, which makes it hard to compare a place to the patterns of data on the map.
Citation:
Maps from Warren Matthews’ World Religions, 3e. “Modern Distribution of World Religions” (map). No scale. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.wadsworth.com/religion_d/special_features/popups/maps/matthews_world/images/w001.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.wadsworth.com/religion_d/special_features/popups/maps/matthews_world/content/map_01.html&usg=__mPGWkrsxVDwuvA0p8jPU3oDfGGg=&h=956&w=1921&sz=171&hl=en&start=2&itbs=1&tbnid=bl3f5w9P145oeM:&tbnh=75&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3DReligion%2BMaps%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX. Accessed on 11 February 2010.
Key Words:
Thematic map, Geographic, Snap shot, Image on a Computer Screen, Unknown sources, Graphics software, Planimetric, Distance, Direction, Area, Shape, Scale, Area reference symbols, Religious distribution map, Bona fide boundaries
Discussion:
This map presents the modern distribution of religions at a global scale. It is electronic in form and the intended audience is unknown, although one could infer that it is intended for the general public, especially a younger audience (high school and below) due to the relative simplicity of the layout and quantity of information presented in the map itself. The map includes ocean names, latitude and longitude lines, continents, and country borders without name labels. This level of detail is appropriate because the map is presenting a sweeping, broad, all encompassing look at religions of the world and including additional specific details would have only cluttered the map itself and subsequently distracted the reader from its intended purpose. Other than the basic necessary categories and geographic regions and their subsequent boundaries, the layout consists of a legend and a scale bar. The legend is nicely placed within the map itself (lower left corner overlapping in the South Pacific Ocean) and effective in that it is straight forward. It divides up certain religions under subheadings (Christianity and Islam) and leaves physical spaces between those subheadings to visually reiterate that distinction. The organization of the legend does appear to have a general hierarchy although it is unclear whether it is based on geographic area covered or raw numbers of followers of the religion. In addition, the integrity of the initial hierarchy appears to breakdown in the later half of the legend (Hinduism and after). The overall color scheme is effective for it is easy to differentiate between the various religious. I could not decipher a pattern regarding which color was assigned to which religion, which could be improved to some extent (blue for Jewdism, etc). As far as fitting symbology goes, the designer used a six-pointed Jewish star to represent small nodes of Jewish populations around the world.
NARG. A GIS map of Libyan basins produced by NARG (map). Manchester, UK: University of Manchester. http://narg.web.mcc.ac.uk/images/libya_basins_map.jpg. Accessed 11 February, 2010.
Keywords: thematic map, geographic, long exposure, portable object, small figure on a page, image on a computer screen, unknown sources, GIS, planimetric, preserves area, preserves shape, toponyms, line reference symbols, geological map.
This map of Libyan basins is very basic. There is no other elements aside from the map itself, no title, legend or scale bar. The map is presumably meant to be a part of a paper or other presented material as to clarify the subject and details of the map. The map suffers because it cannot be clarified with a title or legend and is not a stand-alone piece, although it is accessed as one.
The level of detail is adequate, although, an inset map of the smaller basins would be helpful. I assume the yellow shapes on the map denote fossil fuel reserves (based on the type of research that is preformed at the North Africa Research Group), and if so, an inset map would be especially helpful as there are many reserves in the smaller basins in the North of Libya. The country labels on the map are well-sized and clear in black font. However, it is not clear why only two reference countries (Egypt and Tunisia) are labeled whereas the countries to the southwest are not noted, even though there is plenty of space for toponyms on the map. The different border lines are unclear; the dashed line to the North of the country represents the shoreline of the continent, so it is confusing that there is also a dashed line between Libya, Chad and Niger. Different line segments appear along other borders on the map, also, which are confusing. Labeling of each basin directly on the map is necessary, however, the labels become cramped and it is not easy to determine which label goes to which basin. The blue of the basin labels is too close in color to the basin colors and is hard to read. The color scheme of the basins is fine, and the light grey borders are barely visible which imbues that the borders of the basins are not concrete. The black borders on the yellow reserves (which need to be clarified in a legend) make the reserves stand out on the map; however, many of the reserves are so small that the yellow doesn’t show, so the reserves would be better represented in one solid, dark color. Reference points, like cities or geological features, would be helpful.
Citation: http://www.ahs.org/pdfs/05_heat_map.pdf.
Plant Heat-zone Map (online version) 1in=500 miles American Horticulture Society, 1997. Assessed on February 12.
Keywords: thematic, geographic, user knowledge, public audience, sequence, portable, image on a computer screen, primary sources, area, isolines
Discussion: Produced after the USDA Plant Hardiness, this map gives users the other end of the spectrum that concerns temperature. While the hardiness map demonstrates the average annual lowest temperature, the heat-zone map shows the average days of a temperature above 86F.
What shows on the map is indeed a pattern of frequency; yet what it conveys is a pattern of temperature. Thus the design, mainly concerning color use, facilitates association of temperature and the readers’ intuitive knowledge: blue as cold while red as warm.
The variation in value accompanies the shift of hue. Categories that cover a relatively small amount of area (e.g. zone 1) use color values that make them “jump out” from their surroundings. Adjacent and relatively large zones (e.g. zone 2&3) share the same value, but appear in different hues. This helps to create just enough contrast for the readers to differentiate them. If this map were in black and white, zone 2&3, 5&6, 7&10, 4&11 would appear the same.
One of the intentions of this online map is to provide a preview of the actual paper map. Thus, the rest of the visual components appear in a simple, generalized fashion. In the paper version, which is a wall-sized map, county boundaries are also provided for more specific reference.
Citation:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci/tech/5269296.stm#graphic (8/21/2006). Where Water is Scarce (map). No Scale. International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Accessed on Feb. 11, 2010
Keywords:
Thematic map, geographic, snap shot, stationary, small figure on a page, reliable secondary source, graphics software, globe, direction, fiat boundaries, regional water scarcity, choropleth.
The maps purpose is stated clearly in the title “Where Water is Scarce”. Scarcity is specifically defined, in words, below the map as being an area where 75% of river flows are allocated to agricultural, industrial, or domestic purposes; rainfall is not illustrated in this map. The simplicity of the legend effectively communicates basic meaning at a quick glance as to where water is scarce on a global scale. The color scheme is varied using universal parings of red with urgency, orange with less urgency, and blue with sufficient or abundant quantities of water. The yellow contrasts with this color scheme because it signifies a specific type of economic water scarcity, defined as an area that has abundant water resources but the individual’s capacity to extract that water is limited.
The first feature that distracts from the map’s purpose is the width of the white state boundary lines separating countries. In the case of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikstan, and neighboring countries, these white lines clutter the area and obscure the viewer’s ability to distinguish between physical and approaching water scarcity. This same white line separating Alaska and Canada seems to trail off into the Pacific Ocean. Another problematic feature of the legend is its attempt to separate little water scarcity with no water scarcity with varying the shades of blue. It is difficult to differentiate these varying shades of blue/grey in the legend and even harder on the map when they are not juxtaposed. (See Turkey and India vs. Australia) The white lines should be reduced in width and contrast, and the shades of blue should either be the same shade or have greater variance.
1. Citation: GreenInfo Network (Sept. 2003). “Petroleum Related Pollution” (map). No scale. http://energyindependencenow.org/map-petroleum-related-pollution.html. Accessed on 11 February 2010.
2. Key Words: thematic, geographic, snap shot, interactive object, computer screen, unknown sources, GIS, planimetric, point reference symbols, area reference symbols
3. Discussion: This is a map of petroleum-related pollution in California. The map presents four kinds of information: 1) locations of superfund sites, 2) leaking underground storage tanks, 3) major oil spills and their affected areas, and 4) air basin status by county. The first two are represented by point reference symbols, superfund sites by “nuclear danger” symbols and leaking storage tanks by bright red dots. Major oil spills are also represented by points, “toxic” symbols but their approximate affected areas are solid, dark grey blobs. Air basin status is given by shading ranging from green (attainment) to dark red (extreme non-attainment) across a gradient of brown, orange and red hues. These color and symbol choice make the argument of the map apparent: pollution from petroleum is widespread, bleeding through all over California and it is dangerous. The argument of this map in turn supports the argument for energy-independence of the organization, whose logo appears at the top-left corner of the map.
This map is viewed online but the resolution makes viewing really difficult (maybe it’s my computer); and the legend, though well positioned, is hard to read. Fortunately, one can zoom in to view the two major metro regions, SF and LA, in more detail. The title (positioned nicely at the top) conveys the purpose but doesn’t include the time or location (CA). The information is very detailed (red dots), but the map is probably meant to convey a more general sense of the argument stated above. While the thesis of the map is argued well visually (crazy red dots and toxic symbols), it lacks data citation. Without real data sources, the viewer is led to doubt the legitimacy of what seems to be pretty detailed information, making the cool, ominous visuals seem alarmist.
1. Citation
University of Texas Libraries. Israel – Land Use (map). 1:1,700,000. Washington, D.C.: Central Intelligence Agency, 1993. Accessed from http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/atlas_middle_east/israel_land.jpg on 11 February 2010.
2. Keywords
Thematic map, Geographic, Long Exposure, Portable object, Image on a computer screen, Graphics software, Toponyms, Land cover map, Bona fide boundaries
3. Discussion
This map depicts the land use types in Israel circa 1993. An interesting historical point to notice is the inclusion of the Golan Heights and the exclusion of the West Bank. The map identifies seven unique land cover types, which are indicated by different colors. It also includes seven additional icons that are used to denote type of crop that occurs on farmed land.
The elements of the map are labeled in a large key that lies to the left of the map. The width of the key is almost equal to that of the map; it dominates a large portion of the layout, and thus draws attention away from the map. The title in the top left of the layout is large enough, but does not indicate the geographic locale or date of the information. The scale bar is placed awkwardly at the center-bottom of the layout, almost too far away from the map to make any significant inferences of scale. I feel the map would catch the reader’s eye better were it placed in a more central location, or at least entirely on white background. Also, the large amount of white space in the lower left is distracting.
The level of generalization on this land use map is adequate for its purpose. The land use areas are clearly readable at this scale, and are mostly distinguishable from one another. The crop icons add an extra element of information on the map, but it remains (mostly) uncluttered and does not overwhelm. The colors of the map are somewhat intuitive – rich green and browns denote vegetation and farming, while paler shades denote rough and wasteland areas. There is, however, an unlabeled white area on three regions of map that confuses interpretation.
18 Months of Hookups and Breakups at a Midwestern High school from a Virus’ Point of View: Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy, Columbia University, 2007. [http://discovermagazine.com/2007/jul/map-high-school-hookups/map_lg.gif Accessed 12 February 2010.]
Key Words: thematic map, data exploration, systems mapping, long exposure, interactive object, image on a screen, primary source, graphics software, planimetric, direction, networks
This map illustrates the complex network of potential STD infection among sexually active students. The map was created using sociological data compiled during an 18-month research period at a Midwestern high school. The map displays data from the 266 sexually active members of the student body that were in some way connected to each other through their sexual habits (more than a quarter of the total student population).
The complexity of the data presented allows the map to function across a range of conceptual and practical applications. To the public health researcher, the map provides a clear illustration of the disconnect between group level social dynamics and any functional awareness of basic public health and disease prevention principles. More importantly, it undermines several commonly held assumptions about sexual interactions in highly social environments, namely the “core model, where small, tightly knit groups of subjects date only each other” (Discover Magazine, July 2007). Of importance to health conscious students is the appearance of a network effect, in which higher than expected numbers of actors within a system come into direct or indirect contact with other actors in the system. The map can be used to more fully understand the specific mechanisms through which sexually transmitted disease can spread through a system without individuals actors becoming aware of their contact with other system participants.
Cartographically, the map displays concepts and mechanisms more effectively than information at the individual level, which is appropriate. Solid blue lines show the potential for infection through a shared partner (conveying both quantity and concentration), while shaded grey arrows signify the potential for one-way transmission. The lack of a base layer complicates our interaction with the information, although the numbers and related text serve to highlight the most important mechanisms operating within the system.
GreenInfo Network The Vision Fire Point Reyes (map). No Scale. San Francisco: Green Info Network. http://www.greeninfo.org/images/services/presentations_image8.jpg Accessed on February 12, 2010
Keywords: Reference map, Tour, Long Exposure, Portable Object, Part of an article, Primary Sources, Graphics Software, GIS, Perspective, Area, Pont Reference, Line Reference, Area Reference, Toponyms, Hill Shading, Choropleth,
Discussion
“The Vision Fire” illustrates the intensity of burned areas in the Point Reyes National Sea Shore after a forest fire in 1995. The map also provides road and hiking trail information for the burned area and around the National Seashore.
The map serves several inter-related purposes: primarily the map shows the location and extent of burned areas. Secondarily the map shows the rebuilt road and trail network throughout and beyond the burned area. Thirdly the map frames the National Seashore within the context of nearby towns and highways which would be helpful for potential visitors.
The map enjoys a good balance between text and map, burned areas and roads. The three-color gradient from yellow to red is an intuitive representation of fire. The colors enjoy high relative contrast to make each area distinctive but the low saturation levels allow the topographic relief of the hills to be easily accessible to the viewer. The road information and labels do not distract from the burned areas but are still clear to viewers. The roads and trails are successfully supported by brief text descriptions that give additional information.
The map successfully caters to distinct audiences: people interested in learning about the fire and people potentially interested in visiting the region. The title, legend, and text are clear, frame the visually important portion of the map, do not distract, and promote a sense of continuity within the map. The map’s effectiveness is limited by the lack of a general locator.
Citation:
FPBH, Inc. (12/14/2007). “Madison Area Zoning Map” (map). 1”: ~0.666 and 1”: ~0.25 miles. http://www.fpbhonline.com/Planning.htm. Accessed on 11th of February 2010.
Keywords: Thematic Map, Tour, Snap Shot, Portable Object, Fold-out Map, Primary source, Graphics software/GIS, Planimetric, Direction/Scale (approximate), Toponyms, Line Reference Symbols, Land Use Maps, Choropleth
The purpose of this map is to illustrate the zoning districts of the Madison, IN area. The layout consists of a map of the Madison area, a close up of downtown and a legend. The map was designed for print as a hand out on a 13” by 19” vertical page. The Madison area and enlarged downtown occupy the visual center of the page. The title and the legend occupy the top and bottom of the page. The legend consists of the cartographic line work and color, code, and district title of the zoning districts. This layout is effective because the eye rests on the map and the reader can refer below to the legend that is organized by relative importance from right to left.
The map does not illustrate topography because it is not important to the identification of zone districts. However, the map is disorienting due to its failure to establish a figure ground relationship through the omission of almost all context outside of the “Planning Area.”
The graphic language of the map is the most successful aspect of its cartography. The reader can orient himself using labeled roads that appear white for legibility along with known areas, the airport and state park. The district zones are easily identifiable because of their color, code, and defined boarder. The combination of code and color make the reader not have to refer to the legend as often.
U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (1967). “Communist China: Ethnolinguistic Groups” (map). Communist China Map Folio. Washington, D.C.: Directorate of Intelligence. http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_east_and_asia/china_map_folio/. Accessed on 11 February 2010.
Keywords: thematic, geographic, snap shot, book, unknown data sources, fuzzy boundaries, toponyms, language,
This map is included in a collection of thematic maps of Communist China produced by the CIA in 1967. The introduction to the publication describes the purpose of the map as primarily for government use, although some maps were produced for educational institutions.
The layout of the map is basic, with a large box around the mapped area and a smaller box containing the title, legend, and scale information in the lower left corner. This intuitive design and lack of clutter makes the map easy to read. The map title could also be located at the top of the page, where a reader would likely expect to find it, though I think the large font allows it to stand out enough where it is.
The map seems to find an appropriate balance between over-generalizing the data and including too much detail. With easily distinguishable colors showing different language families and both numbers and names to identify linguistic groups within these families, the viewer can read the map on different levels of detail—either using color to view general distributions, or also looking at numbers and names to identify specific groups. The map accounts for areas with two dominant linguistic families using diagonal stripes of alternating colors, allowing for less generalization of the data.
In addition to the various colors, the map uses several intuitive symbol to give context: thin, dashed stripes of blue for wetland areas; dashes with dots or x’s to illustrate open and closed borders; and different sizes and styles of circles to represent city sizes and capitals. The only non-color category in the legend is a small green triangle used to show populations of Hui, Chinese Muslims, independent of the colored linguistic groupings.
Atlas of Canada (1906). “Forests” (map). 1st edition. 1:12,500,000. http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/archives/1stedition/environment/ecology/page8. Accessed on 11 February 2010.
Key words: thematic map, long exposure, geographic, printed color plate in atlas, pen and ink, unknown sources, forest cover
This color, hand-illustrated map depicts the extent of different forest and related land cover types across Canada. Land cover types are distinguished through variation of color and pattern: green indicates the presence of all forest cover, while variation in patterns distinguish between forest types, with less “dense” patterns indicating mostly cleared forest areas. Logical color and pattern choices indicate the presence of prairie and mixed woodlands. The legend is also organized logically, in an order descending roughly from more to less forested land covers. White-colored land mass signifies both areas outside the Canadian border, and Northern areas of Canada with no trees–Using gray to signify areas outside the Canadian border might prevent the uneducated observer from assuming these Northern areas are not part of Canada.
This map includes a table–“The Principle Trees of Canada”–listing tree species common to different forested regions of the country. However, the regional categories used in this table (Rocky Mountains, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Maritime Provinces, etc.) are incongruous with the forest cover categories depicted on the map and named in the legend. This table suggests variation in tree species within the depicted forest types, making the reasoning behind using these forest categories unclear–What’s the difference between “Northern” and “Southern” forests if not tree species?
Layout might be improved by moving the title to the upper edge or upper left corner of the map (though I think locating the title in the bottom left corner might be a fairly traditional location for map title). The blue used to color the ocean is fairly similar in tone to lightly-hatched green forested areas–choosing a lighter blue might make the map figure stand out more from the map ground. The “Principle Trees” table takes up about one-quarter of the layout; while the table definitely attracts attention away from the main figure in providing a questionably large amount of detail, I hesitate to suggest the table should be removed, as I don’t know the full intent & usage of the map when printed (1906).
1. Citation: Tenement House Committee of 1894. “Map of City of New York Showing the Distribution of the Principal Nationalities by Sanitary Districts” (Map) In Vincent Virga, ed. Cartographia: Mapping Civilizations. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2007. Plate 173, p. 220-221.
2. Keywords: Thematic, geographic, snap shot, portable, small figure, primary sources, pen and ink, planimatric, shape, toponyms, demographic, bona fide boundaries.
3. Discussion: This is a hand drawn paper map, scanned and reprinted in a book. The purpose of this map is to illustrate the distribution of national populations across the island of Manhattan at the time of the 1890 census. The layout appears haphazard; it includes a title and a brief written explanation of the source material and the process by which the map was created. A bar graph shows relative population numbers by nationality for the entire city, with exact numbers cited to the side. There is a legend indicating the black and white shading patterns corresponding to specific nationalities. According to the description, the breadth of the shaded bands corresponds to the proportion of the population represented within each district, but the precise data classes are not specified. The map does not include a scale bar or directional symbol. Some landmarks, such as street names, waterways and central park are helpful in orienting the reader, but the labels are at the periphery of the map and the center become a chaotic jumble for those not familiar with the sanitary districts.
The level of generalization appears inappropriate at first glance, with letters and numbers labeling the sanitary districts of the city providing an unnecessary level of detail for the presumed audience for the map, general scholarship and public knowledge. But poor aesthetic choices make the data appear more complex than it actually is. The shaded bands, which vary in fill, breadth and orientation, are too arbitrary and varied to be intuitive for the reader. In reality, the map might benefit from an increased level of detail, dividing the city into smaller unit than the sanitary districts. Alternatively, replacing the black and white shading with colors would allow for the replacement of the varying breadth of bands with gradations of color. Data classes could be improved by simplifying to show the majority nationality in any single space, not the combined nationalities comprising a two-thirds majority. Without some simplification, the map is too cluttered and confusing to be of much use.
Citation: CIA (1997). “Ethnic Majorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina by Opstina, 1991 Census” (map). 1 : 3,168,000. http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/bosnia/ethnic_majorities_97.jpg. Accessed on 11 February 2010.
Key Words: Thematic Map, Geographic, Snap shot, Image on a computer screen. Portable object, unknown sources, graphics software, area reference symbols, toponyms, cloropleth, demographics
The map, created by the Central Intelligence Agency in 1997, shows the ethnic majorities of each opstina – or small administrative unit – in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1991. The function of the map seems to be political which explains why the CIA added in the SFOR multinational division boundary lines which were delineated after the Bosnian War for peacekeeping operations. This is a categorical map because its purpose is to differentiate the presence of majority ethnic groups in the districts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and not to dwell too much of precise demographic information.
Natural features are not relevant to the map’s intent and thus topography, rivers, terrain types and geological features are ignored. Political boundaries are drawn but toponymy is basic – only the names of neighboring countries, capitol cities and the Adriatic Sea are listed.
Brewer emphasizes that “hue is an indispensable design tool when mapping categorial data” (Brewer 2009, 103). Although the color symbology is effective in differentiating the group types, the hue choices are not intuitive. The key is necessary to comprehend what color represents each minority group, and the percentage value that each shade delineates.
The shading symbolization is fairly intuitive – with darker shades representing a greater percentage of the ethnic majority – but does not seem to be statistically logical. The key shows that when the ethnic majority represents more than 85% of the total population, the darker hue is used while a lighter hue is used when the ethnic majority represents more than 50% yet less than 85% of the population. This breaking point seems random and its significance is not explained in the key. This statistical arbitrariness is most likely present in the key because the map is not a special purpose map, but rather a categorial map where differentiation is more important than precise data (which could also explain why the CIA relied on data that was six years old).
Caroline Grego
Citation: Maybin and Nystrom (2005). Generalized Geologic Map of South Carolina. Revised by Howard, Nystrom, and Willoughby, 2007. No scale. South Carolina: SC Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey. http://www.dnr.sc.gov/geology/geology.htm. Accessed 11 February 2010.
Keywords: Reference map, geographic, snap shot, a digital map in 8.5 by 11 format, image on a computer screen, primary sources/reliable, GIS or graphics software, planimetric, area reference symbols, geologic map, bona fide/county boundaries, geology, South Carolina, state government agency
Discussion: This map is a straightforward geologic reference map of South Carolina apparently made for geologists who are preferably residents of the state. The layout is simple and logical: a title at the top, the map featured prominently in the center, and a legend featuring the geologic categories on the right side, comprised of geologic formations from different eras and of different types, and a legend on the left side that includes the “significant structural features,” which is comprised of abbreviations that appear on the map representing minerals to be mined, faults, or scarps.
This map, while simple in appearance, is actually quite difficult to comprehend unless one is a geologist resident to South Carolina. The map has no landmarks, such as cities, rivers, lakes, or topography, besides county lines, so any person working with this map would already need to know a decent amount about the state’s geography. Furthermore, the geologic categories listed in the legend are not accompanied by any sort of explanation for each category; and the combination of geologic formations from both different eras and of different types in the right-hand legend is quite confusing. The map lacks a standardization of its categories and would benefit from more clearly labeled and described categories if it is to be of use to anyone besides a geologist.
That said, the colors used for the geologic categories are cohesive yet simple to tell apart. The colors do not necessarily correspond to the geologic features they represent, but the vibrancy lends itself to easy comprehension; and also, the gradient of the color implies that some geologic forms are more similar to others, which might not be the case. The lettering for the structural features is an appropriate size, and the placement of the abbreviations in their respective zones is intuitive.
Reported Incidents of Somali Pirate Attacks and Hijackings in the Gulf of Aden for 2008 http://unosat-maps.web.cern.ch/unosat-maps/SO/Piracy/UNOSAT_Piracy_Gulf_Aden_2008_Highres_v7.pdf. Accessed 11 February 2010
Key Terms:
Thematic Map, Long Exposure, Image on a Computer Screen, Primary Sources, Graphics Software, Remote Sensing, Planimetric, Shape, Toponyms, Point reference symbols, Area reference symbols, Shaded relief, Fiat boundaries, Bona fide boundaries, Fuzzy boundaries.
This map illustrates reported incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Aden in 2008 and was produced by UNOSAT in support of the ongoing humanitarian operations across the Horn of Africa, as well as in response to UN Security Council IMO resolutions calling for increased monitoring of Somali pirate activity. Satellite imagery was used in order to detect the location of suspected hijacked vessel villages of Eyl & Hobyo.
The amount of information contained in this particular map allows it to serve a number of purposes. For instance, it is possible to evaluate the type, location and incident density of attacks against both boundary zones and vessel movement vectors through the area. Such information might be helpful for both shipping captains hoping to avoid confrontation, and for the proposing new anti-pirate monitoring stations. Similarly, the data on specific hijackings contributes to a greater understanding of the types of vessels that tend to be most vulnerable.
Cartographically, this map is readable though not particularly aesthetically intuitive. The overlap of symbols implies high conflict areas, yet it is difficult to determine what types of attacks are actually occurring. The use of symbols and the selected color palette could be simplified or at least re-evaluated.
I believe this map could also benefit from two other factors not directly related to design. The first is that, given the amount of detail, this map should be viewed at a much larger scale. Perhaps a power point projection would help with clarity. Additionally, because this is partly an incident report map, it might be helpful to include it in a series of annual or monthly maps, a project which would allow the map reader to see change over time.
Atlas of Canada (1906). “Forests” (map). 1st edition. 1:12,500,000. http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/archives/1stedition/environment/ecology/page8. Accessed on 11 February 2010.
Key words: thematic map, long exposure, geographic, printed color plate in atlas, pen and ink, unknown sources, toponyms, forest cover
City of Austin. Watershed Regulation Areas (map). 1 in = 5 miles. Austin, TX: City of Austin, 1995.
Keywords: Thematic map, tour, snap shot, portable object, image on a screen or printed map, unknown sources, GIS, planimetric, toponyms, line reference symbols, area reference symbols
Discussion: The map includes a title, legend, scale bar, and a directional symbol. These additional elements are all placed below the map itself where they are easily visible but do not distract from the map itself. The layout is simple, classic, and effective. This classic layout is effective for a map used by a city government because it get information across without distraction. The level of detail does appear to be appropriate in general. In some cases, the watershed boundaries could be simplified, but for the purposes of city and development planning, it is important to maintain this detail. The color choices for the various regulation areas are not intuitive. Green is often used to represent forested or otherwise vegetated land. On this map, however, various greens are used for urban and suburban development zones. Additionally, blue often represents water, but in this map blues represent both water and drinking water protection zones. While the use of one color family for development zones and another for drinking water protection zones is useful because it shows the relatedness of particular zones, different color families could have been better choices.
Citation: Chattooga River Watershed Coalition. “Chattooga Conservation Plan.” http://www.conservationgis.org/ctsp/chattoo/chattoo.html. Accessed on February 11, 2010.
Key words: thematic map, categorical map, tour, long exposure, portable object, image on a computer screen, primary sources, GIS, planimetric, land use maps, conservation reserves
Discussion: This map is designed to advocate for a reserve and buffer approach to conservation in the Chattooga River Watershed. The obvious issues are a lack of context: links to other reserve systems are referenced with directional arrows, but this fails to demonstrate the level of connectivity to these reserves. A scale bar, legend, title, and labeled arrows are the only supporting elements; all contribute to a barely adequate map that could be expanded given the space available. Topography is entirely absent; a hillshade would also lend the zones designated on the map more coherence.
The level of generalization does not match the map’s purpose. While the document does highlight the reserves, it fails to make any argument for why this land should be protected. The authors have mapped old growth forest, roadless areas, and watershed buffers which are cited to determine the size and shape of the reserve system in the accompanying report, but this information is not present on the final map. The absence of these features, in combination with the lack of neighboring reserves, makes the land designated appear arbitrary.
The colors selected for the map are intuitive and appropriate; the gradient of greens suggests increased conservation importance and protection. Private land and city limits are also effectively symbolized. The colors and symbology not present is the issue: use of brightly outlined and shaded polygons to identify areas of importance (old growth forest etc) is critical to the justification of this reserve. For more impact rare or endangered species ranges could be mapped in the same way. Without these areas or links to other reserves the map is useless as an advocacy tool, leaving one to wonder for what audience this was designed.
Ontario’s Greenbelt 2.0
Ontario Greenbelt Alliance (2008). Ontario’s Greenbelt 2.0 (Map). Toronto, Canada: Queen’s Printer for Ontario. http://greenbeltalliance.ca/?q=node/16. Accessed on 10 February 2010.
Keywords:
Thematic map, tour, long exposure, portable object (printed), image on a computer screen, primary sources, secondary sources, reliable, graphics software, GIS, planimetric, toponyms, point reference symbols, line reference symbols, area reference symbols, land use maps, preserves distance/direction/area/shape/scale, fiat boundaries.
Discussion:
The purpose of this map is to depict the original Greenbelt and Greenbelt 2.0 land use areas in southern Ontario. The original Greenbelt designation was intended to protect agricultural land in the region from development and fragmentation, preserve watershed and ecosystems to promote human and ecological health, and strengthen rural communities and economies. Greenbelt 2.0 expansion sought to further focus these goals, targeting areas particularly susceptible to rapid urban growth and “poorly-planned development”.
The layout of this map is effective in focusing the viewer on the horseshoe greenbelt region. The map itself fills the entire frame, with the title, legend, locator map, scale, and directional symbol covering periphery portions of the map not relevant to the Greenbelt project. The extent of the map is centered on Toronto, the largest urban area, emphasizing the concentric nature of the greenbelt region around urban areas. The legend is clear and effective with the Greenbelt zones represented in two saturations of cool green, while shades of the warm spectrum ranging from yellow to red represent the built environment of current urban areas, projected urban growth and the roads network. These two distinct color groups emphasize the contrast between the built-up urban and protected Greenbelt rural zones
Generalization is appropriate for the map. Only major roads, cities and towns are shown, which is consistent with the map’s purpose of guiding planning and development on a regional level. Base information situates patterns of development and urban growth.
The primary weakness of this map is its ineffective locator map. The extent of the primary map comprises almost three quarters of the locator map. In addition, there are no toponyms or other reference symbols on the locator map. Thus, the locator map fails to place the primary map within a broader geographic context.
Source: Plano Diretor Participativo Florianópolis. “Núcleo Gestor – Representação Distrital”. Prefeitura Municipal De Florianópolis. No Scale. IPUF, 2006.
Keywords: categorical, thematic, reference, qualitative, manipulable, long exposure, portable object, centerfold map, primary sources, graphics software, planimetric, toponyms,
“territorial” maps, flat boundaries,
This map is of the island of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina in the south of Brazil and shows the different districts and their representatives in the Plano Diretor Participativo (a participatory fraction of the city’s government). The map layout therefore includes the names, phone numbers and offices of the representatives of each district as well as cartoons of distinctive features of each area. These are effective as the map comes from a book explaining this process of the government to younger members of society therefore the level of generalization is appropriate. The map as an elementary resource is scarce when it comes to symbols and type outside of the district names and the representatives’ contact information, however the cartoons give a brief if not generalized description of each part of the island. While the map’s audience is children, and the cartoons are placed to help them identify different parts of the island by the places they know such as popular beaches, agricultural areas, the urban center, and the bridge to the mainland, the visual elements are rather cluttering. The lines between the text and the districts are unnecessary as the title bars mimic the color representing the district and the text boxes neighbor the areas on the map. As the map was drawn for the understanding of the younger generation, the cartoon-like depiction of the island and the lack of a scale bar and stated projection type can be excused. All in all it’s a fun informative map which supplements descriptions of how the governmental system works and who is representing the residents of each district.
Citation:
Chittenden County Transportation Authority (10/12/09). “Chittenden County Transit System Map” (map). 1 inch = 2000 feet. Burlington, VT: CCTA, 2009. Accessed on February 11, 2010.
URL: http://www.cctaride.org/bus-information/system-map.html
Key Words:
Thematic map, tour, a long exposure, portable object, stationary object, fold-out map, poster on a wall, primary sources, graphics software, planimetric, direction, scale, point reference symbols, line reference symbols, land use maps, flow vectors, networks
Discussion:
This map is put up by the Chittenden County Transportation Authority to map all of CCTA’s bus routes. The map labels streets, parks, waterways, and other points of interest. This map is used as a reference map for people looking to take the bus. Therefore elevation and natural features are not included and the roadways are accurate. A key is included in the bottom right corner of the map labeling important features with basic symbols. The light green shading used for the parks and the darker tan used for other important masses such as the airport and the National Guard is done very effectively especially against the light tan background. The bright red logo used to label the hospital, which is an important place to have marked clearly, is hard to see among the bright route markers. Someone who is looking to get out of the center of town can easily not know where to go because of the amount of lines covering the street names in the center. Having an inset over the center of town could be a useful way to make the map more readable. However, color-coding routes in addition to numbering is an effective way to distinguish one path from another overlapping path.
Citation: National Geographic. Climate: Middle East (map). 1in=400miles. Stevens Point, Wisconsin: Worzalla, 72.
Key Words: Thematic Map, Long Exposure, Image on a computer screen, slide in a presentation, Shape, distance, toponyms, line reference symbols, point reference symbols, flat boundaries
Discussion: This is a printed, published map displaying climatic zones across the region of the Middle East. The map is used by students and teachers to learn and/or teach about the different climatic zones of the Middle Eastern nations.
The captions below explain the Koppen Climate Zone types in detail. The descriptions not only explain the climate zones attached to each corresponding color, but also give place specific information. The captions are a bit excessive and overwhelm the map reader with too much content. The map is generalized, because it can be assumed based on the shading of the topography that elevations vary within climatic zones, therefore the climate must be more varied than shown. Each climatic zone colored on the map ignores micro climates, giving a general representation of the climates of the Middle East.
The title isn’t specific to the Middle East, because this map appears in an educational atlas of the Middle East, so the title “Climate” is effective. The legend is appropriately place, not cluttering any important features on the land. I think the scale bars could be divided into two colors instead of several not to confuse the reader examining distance. Including bodies of water is significant when demonstrating climates, so the rivers lakes, and oceans an important feature.
The major cities are indicated by points, but the average temperature in winter and summer written next to each city name is distracting for the map reader, cluttered, and could better be represented by a corresponding chart.
Keywords: Thematic, Geographic, long exposure, Image on a computer screen, toponym, distance, shape, scale, planimetric, graphics software
Citation:
Geoscience Australia. “Flood Image Gallery”. No scale. http://www.ga.gov.au/hazards/flood/gallery.jsp?id=GA12035. Accessed on February 11, 2010.
The purpose of this map is to identify regions of Australia that share general flooding patterns. The map has three categories and only provides regional, rather than local information, which suggests that it was not designed for experts or people interested in making fine-level, detail oriented decisions (i.e. planners, homeowners, developers etc…). This map is an overview.
The map is supported by a small legend that provides a brief explanation of each of the three categories depicted in the map. These explanations impart information that clearly differentiates the three categories from one another.
Some features on the map, such as rivers and cities, are symbolized such that their meaning is intuitive and does not need to be covered in the legend. They are located close to the map. The meaning of the black line that runs north south along the eastern edge of Australia is not intuitive. The legend clarifies the line’s meaning and importance to the map’s subject.
The map does not contain a title or a text box. The information found on the map is concise and limited. However, text describing the phenomena depicted in the map can be found on the webpage.
When viewed as a tool to conceptualize the general flood patterns of Australia, the map’s level of detail makes sense. There are only three categories. Each category describes a flooding pattern that is easy to visualize and is not confusing to a person unfamiliar with the geography of Australia.
1. Citation: Geological Survey of Alabama. Geologic Map of Alabama, Special Map 220 (map). 1:250,000. Tuscaloosa, AL: Geological Survey of Alabama, 1988. Accessed from http://alabamamaps.ua.edu/historicalmaps/geology/index1950.html on 10 February 2010.
2. Keywords: thematic map, geographic, long exposure, stationary object, primary sources, graphics software, planimetric, preserves direction, preserves shape, toponyms, area reference symbols, contours, geological map, isolines
3. Discussion: This is a scanned paper map presented in four separate sheets. It communicates a wealth of information, both on and around the map itself. Besides the title, there is an extensive legend which not only identifies soil types, but also gives a brief explanation of their composition and distribution. These elements are organized within the legend according to period and region. The legend layout is logical and communicates the dense information impressively clearly, and it does not include labels for intuitive symbols, like cities and highways. The layout also includes smaller maps showing the extent, the salient physical features of the state, and an index to source information. An extensive bibliography is included in small print. The map neglects to include a notation of projection. Elements are effectively arranged to take up most of the space on the page, but are repeated on each of the four map sheets. The layout does not have a traditional flow, but the elements (title, legend) are easy enough to recognize that the communication of information is not hindered.
The level of generalization of the map is appropriate considering that it is designed to be used by experts for very specific purposes. The map itself is vibrant in color, but easy to understand. Soil types are easily distinguished by hue and pattern, although interpretation requires close consultation of the legend. Light outlines for contour lines and highways and a simple style for place names allow them to stand out enough to serve the purpose of orientation, but not to detract from the main theme of the map. The huge amount of information present in the map is overwhelming, but well-handled by the designer.
Citation:U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (1973). “Iceland – Land Utilization and Economic Activity” (map). No Scale Given.
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/europe/iceland_land_1973.jpg. Accessed on February 11, 2010.
Key Words: Thematic Map, Geographic, Snap Shot, Portable, Image on a Computer Screen, Unknown Sources/C.I.A., Toponyms, Point Reference Symbols, Land Use, Economic Activity, Bona fide boundaries
This layout contains few elements besides the map itself. It includes a title and a legend, but lacks a scale bar, neat line, and sources. There is a logical arrangement to these elements. The map is given a position of authority, and it is easy to differentiate between the title text and the much smaller legend and city text. The hierarchy within the legend, though, seems to contradict the hierarchy given in the title; one would think the colors (denoting land use) would be above the type of economic activity (which is given a secondary position in the title).
This map uses points to mark the locations of cities. This makes sense and is a good use of dimension change generalization because the map is not concerned with their area, but rather with the land use across the country as a whole. Different symbols are used to show the different types of economic activity, all of which are explained and are somewhat intuitive. However, these symbols are a lot larger than the points for the cities, so one should not look at them as exact markings of different plants, but rather as the economic activity around or in the cities. The colors used to differentiate the different land use zones are also intuitive.
The overall level of generalization is good. The map is not cluttered with roads or other infrastructure and solely depicts the land use and economic activity, though it would be helpful to know the criteria for including or not including economic activity. The country border is clear, though a larger geographic context could be helpful, and a scale bar should be included. The data source(s) would be helpful as well.
Afghanistan Information Management Services. “Badakhshan Earthquake location, 3rd April 2007” (map). 1 inch = 10km. http://aims.org.af/services/sectoral/emergency_assistance/earthquake/badakhshan_apr_07/badakhshan_epicenter_apr07.pdf . Accessed on 11 February 2010
Afghanistan Information Management Services (AIMS) provides information management services to the Afghan government. Their operation includes GIS work that primarily uses US Defense data and dated USGS topographic maps to provide and assess a wide range of geographic data for the government. (http://aims.org.af/about/vision/vision.html)
Their map “Badakhshan Earthquake location, 3rd April 2007” is a simple map that overlays a USGS calculated 6.7 earthquake epicenter onto a basic reference map of towns, roads, rivers, and bureaucratic boundaries. If the map’s only purpose is to locate the earthquake zone, then it is successful. However, if this map serves a greater practical bureaucratic/emergency service purpose then there are significant missing components in the graphic. A distance buffer emanates out from the epicenter and is broken into 10 kilometer intervals. The distance from the epicenter, however, is not nearly as important as the magnitude gradient emanating from the epicenter. The circles make certain the viewer knows the distance from the epicenter (it could be gleaned from the scale), but does little to inform the viewer about the actual location and magnitude of the shaking. If the purpose of the map is to locate the areas where the earthquake had a tangible destructive effect, then the map should show magnitude, not distance, in order to identify at risk areas.
It is very likely that this was the only information available at the time of the earthquake, or given the time-sensitivity of the matter, it was hastily produced in order to disseminate it quickly. For the purpose of discussion, however, it could have been improved in several ways. Most simply it should have overlaid the distance buffer with a map of the local geology. Magnitude is connected to substrate composition. An improvement over that would be a calculation of magnitude as a function of substrate composition, or anything that would show a dispersal of magnitude. It certainly would not be perfect circles. Lastly the referential content could be improved by identifying towns by their size and population density rather than by their categorical differentiation of province center, district center, and village.
From a design perspective the image could be improved by making a second map the focuses on the epicenter and that includes larger type for town names. The roads are the same fill and stroke as the buffer lines. Other elements could be stylized, but would have little impact on the readability or function of the map.
Citation:
http://www.vcgi.org (4/8/2003). Public Conserved Lands of Vermont (map). 1:1,000,000. http://www.vcgi.org/mapcenter/?page=mapquery_a.cfm. Accessed on February 11, 2010.
Key Words:
Reference map, geographic, snap shot, portable object (printed), image on a computer screen, primary sources/reliable, graphics software, planimetric, toponyms, line/area reference symbols, partial land use map, retain shape/scale/area.
Discussion:
The layout of this map is sparse and concise. The elements included are a title, a directional symbol, a legend, a numerical scale, and a company logo and date produced. These elements are laid out effectively. The title is clear, and positioned above the map so the user sees it and understands the map’s purpose before viewing the map itself. The most effective piece of the element layout is its sparseness—there are no features or clutter in the layout that distract attention from the stated purpose of the map. This is partly because the map’s purpose is simple and doesn’t require extra explanatory elements.
The level of generalization is appropriately detailed (or not detailed, as is the case here). The clean line is drawn around the state, which draws the user’s focus onto Vermont. A weakness of this is that the interaction between VT conserved land and NH, NY, MA, and Quebec conserved land is not shown. This would be especially interesting considering the shared boundary of Lake Champlain, as well as different conservation policies by state. What is good about the generalization is that it keeps the map simple, only providing enough town names to orient residents to the location of the conserved land.
Legend symbols are characteristic of depicting forested/conserved areas, with a darker green showing more intensely protected areas. The one flaw in the legend that I see is that “State historic sites” are a shade of green between “wildlife refuge” and “state forest,” while they should instead be a completely different color, as they are not of the same kind as the other two. The background color of the map is bland and devoid enough of detail to draw attention to the salient aspects of the map.