Final Everglades Maps

This project sought to highlight some the mercury concentrations at various sampling sites throughout the Florida Everglades. Dr. Brian E. Rood, a professor, business owner, mentor, and friend, conducted this research in the early 1990's for his doctorate work. His data was compiled into several different layers in the ArcGIS program so the mercury concentrations at various depths could be easily visualized. The smaller the point, the lower the concentration. Naturally, deeper depths correspond to an older sample. Samples 18 cm and deeper can be assumed to be over 100 years old. For the most part, mercury concentrations decrease with age, but that is not always the case.

It seems to me that the Quantile classification is the most appropriate method in this specific instance.

Here is a map I created today in class that details the world population in 2007. The scale explains the colors in relaiton to population. Also included on the map is a bunch of highly populated world cities

John Paul Goode- "one of the key geographers in American Geography’s Incipient Period from 1900 to 1940. Created Goode’s School Atlas."

Erwin Raisz- Created physiographic maps of Landforms

George Jenks- Was the Solocitor General and a politicial from Pennsylvania

Waldo Tobler- Cointed the first law of geography: "Tobler's idea that "Everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related to each other"

Not so "Hidden Agendas"

GIS Quiz 1

What are the skills necessary to be a good cartographer?

A good cartographer must first know what aim he is trying to accoplish by making the map. If he Is he making a general map (General Reference), or does he want to create a map for some specific reason (Thematic). Second, he must know his audience. If he is creating a world map for an elementary classroom, or is he creating amap for use by the military? These 2 different maps require different styles (possibly color, font, etc). The level of detail and accuracy would also need to be greater for a military map. A good cartographer must also be conversent in how to manilpulate map-making software. This can result in the difference between a good map and a bad map.

Distinguish between the elements that result in a "good map" vs. a "bad map."

Typically, a bad map is one that makes it difficult for the user to understand. This can be done by using a scale that is either too large or too small, a font that is the wrong size and/or a style that makes reading difficult. Careful consideration must also be given to the color palate used in creatingthe map. Idealy the colors should contrast starkly so a line can be seen between different geological features. However, they should not be too vibtant so they hurt the eye and should be in the realm of generally-accepted colors (light green, blue, tan, pale yellow, etc). Finally, the map should express its intended purpose creating clutter and confusion. For example, if it is created to show the movement of glaciers throughout Alaska, it would be unnecessary to include local resturants on the map.