GIS5007 Choropleth and Proportional Symbol Mapping Lab

 Our lecture this week introduced us to choropleth and proportional symbol mapping. We learned when they work best and in what situations to avoid them. We also covered the importance of color selection, map symbolization and data types relevant to creating an effective map of this type.

For our lab we used data complied in 2012 on population density and on wine consumption in Europe. Our data was presented in the Europe Albers Equal Area Conic projection. We created a layer for population density and asked to use everything we learned to select a color scheme fitting for out map, We had to utilize our skills to create appropriate SQL Query for Data Exclusion to get rid of data not relevant to the map. Examine different data classification systems and select the one we felt was most appropriate for our map. Create both proportional and graduated symbol layers for the wine consumption data, looked closely at each one to see how differently the data was presented and selected one. 

Next, we worked on fine tuning layers and creating a map layout making sure to include all of the essential elements. Form my may I utilized annotated labeling to have more control over my country labels avoiding overlap with my map symbology. I went with quantile data classification and graduated symbolization for the wine consumption layer. I also chose metric as my scale measure as metric was the measurement listed for the population density. I made the map extent box and leader line thin so that it would not compete with the main map.

After a great deal of minute adjustments, my creation was completed. Definitely not perfect but my skills are getting more refined.