GIS 6005 Module 4 Color Concepts & Choropleth Mapping

 The first part of this lab focused on color concepts. We explored the relationship between RGB and HSV color systems and compared the color ramps on ArcGIS Pro with those on ColorBrewer. We were asked to create three different color ramps to explore the differences and better understand the processes used to create them. We selected a color, then created a linear progression ramp, an adjusted progression ramp, and lastly, selected the closest match to the previous ramps on ColorBrewer. Below is a screenshot of each of the ramps, interval information, and notes.

The differences between my linear progression and my adjusted progression color ramps are subtle. The greatest difference being the increased step size between the darkest colors in the adjusted progression ramp which I used to help the map viewer (person) differentiate them. The Color Brewer ramp number were very different than either of my color ramps. The results generated a progression of colors that I felt more defined and easier to distinguish from each other. The RGB values show that Color Brewer varied the steps between each color selection much more than my linear progression or my adjusted progression ramps. The results reflected our text/readings and illustrated just how complicated the relationship is between RGB values when creating color ramps. This lab also showed how difficult choosing the best color ramp can be and how time-consuming custom creation is.

Choropleth Map

The final map we made was one to show the changes in population by county for the state of Colorado from 2010 to 2014.

For a coordinate system, I selected NAD 1983 (CORS96) State Plane Colorado Central FIPS 0502 (US Feet). The State plane coordinate systems are designed specifically for individual states or regions. They minimize distortion within that specific area, making them ideal for these maps where accuracy is important. Colorado Central is one of the three zones within the Colorado State Plane system, optimized for the central part of the state. As this map covers the entire state, I felt it was the best choice. I selected feet instead of meters because the average American is more familiar with feet than meters.

To normalize my data I used Arcade for my formula ((POP2014 – POP2010)/POP2010)*100. This calculation resulted in both positive and negative values. I elected to use a diverging color ramp, along with an odd number of classes (seven), which I felt was best for visualizing the divergent changes in population. For classification, I used a Natural Breaks (Jenks) because this method best depicted the relationship in range of values, as opposed to using the total county counts per class. 

On the map layout I elected to go with the symmetrical classification around zero. I felt communicated the most amount of information to the average view at a glance. I started with five classes but felt that was not sufficient and that seven gave a better picture of the divisions.

GIS 6005

 This lab was all about color. We started by creating self-generated color ramps, both linear and adjusted progression

                            Color Brew

The differences between my linear progression and my adjusted progression color ramps are subtle. The greatest difference being the increased step size between the darkest colors in the adjusted progression ramp which I used to help the map viewer (person) differentiate them. The Color Brewer ramp number were very different than either of my color ramps. The results generated a progression of colors that I felt more defined and easier to distinguish from each other. The RGB values show that Color Brewer varied the steps between each color selection much more than my linear progression or my adjusted progression ramps. The results reflected our text/readings and illustrated just how complicated the relationship is between RGB values when creating color ramps. This lab also showed how difficult choosing the best color ramp can be and how time-consuming custom creation is.

GIS 6005 Mod 3

 Terrain Visualization

In this lab we were provided with elevation and landcover raster datasets. We were given the choice to create either a traditional or multidirectional hillshade from our DEM. I chose multidirectional as it lightened up the entire area and I felt after comparing the two that it gave a better overall impression of the terrain. For the symbology of the landcover layer, I grouped the trees by type name, fir, pine, and so forth and selected shades of green. I used a blue for water areas and a brown for non-forested. This layer was placed on top of the elevation hillshade and given a transparency of 29.5 with a multiply layer blend. I selected these settings because I felt it was the right combination to be able to visually discern the different landcover classes and still be able to make out the different terrain underneath.  

GIS 6002 Module 2 Lab

 

My area of interest  for this lab was the state of Michigan. The state of Michigan has more than one State Plane available; it covers UTM zones 15, 16band, and 17. The reason other options are less appropriate is because Michigan has an unusual shape, extending diagonally from southeast to northwest. The Michigan GeoRef Coordinate System is based on an Oblique Mercator projection, which is specifically designed to minimize distortion for areas with this kind of shape. It covers the entire state, including its territorial waters, in a single zone.

GIS 6005 Lab 1

 For this lab we were asked to polish a map design for a map with displaying recreation information for Travis county in the city of Austin. My finished product.

Explain how you addressed each of the five map design principles:  Visual contrast: I chose a white background to create contrast between the background and the map. I chose a light beige base color for the underlying county polygon to create contrast with the map layer symbology. I also made sure that the colors of the layer symbology's were not competing with each other, Legibility: The white background enhances text legibility. When choosing the type, I went with the combination of Franklin Gothic Demi and Baskerville Old Face, which I find complimentary and easy to read. Figure-Ground Organization: Sticking with the minimalist theme I have used for this map, I added an additional fill layer with a donut effect on the county polygon border to create more separation between the background and the map elements. Hierarchical Organization: I built the layers in order of importance: white background, light map element base color them onto the symbology for each of the layers, golf course….which are the main focus of the map. Balance: I placed the main map in the center of the layout, I centered the title above that and the placed the legend, and the orientation/scale to each side of the lower portion of the map. Lastly, I added the source and creator info to the bottom of the map layout. There are no large areas of negative space, and the elements are distributed evenly to maintain balance.