Fun with Mexico (Module 3 - Cartography using a GIS and GIS Cartography)

Despite being a bit involved, I really enjoyed this weeks lab.  I feel it provided an opportunity to practice some important ArcGIS skills in conjuction with the "art" and "science" of cartography such as:

• learning to effectively use ArcCatalog to review data prior to beginning your map so that you really think about what you are trying to achieve and determine if your ideas are achievable with the data you have
• If you've ever worked with rasters in other software you'll totally appreciate the Pyramid option on the front side so that you save valuable time and memory space when you're working in your .mxd
• I can't say enough about SQL and the time it can save!
• By creating three very distinct maps using, for the most part, the same data really emphasized the importance typography, symbology                                                                       and creativity play in producing a visually appealing,                                                       accurate, useful product.

I found myself creating the maps and then through the course of applying different tactics within each one I returned to some to tweak them a bit more.  I feel that this lab pulled together information we have learned in previous modules and allowed us to apply this learning in several different ways.  I also felt it was a nice blend with the work I'm doing in GIS 3015, Introduction to Cartograhpy.

I had a hard time deciding which map to post here, as I like them all for different reasons.  While not perfect, I feel each one represents a substantial gain in my GIS skillset.  I have chosen to post my Population map of Mexico.  I felt like this map gave me a substantial blend of data driven tasks and artistic creativity.  It pains me slightly to say it as I'm still struggling a bit, but with any of these maps, I can now see they could be improved upon even more using AI as part of the finalization/publication process.  Nonetheless, the output from ArcDesktop isn't too shabby.  My goal with the population map was to make each range quickly discernible but not overwhelm the eye with too many color changes.  I wanted Mexico to pop off the page but did not want the country boundary to be the main visual factor.  I also wanted surrounding oceans and land masses to complement rather than draw the attention away from the intended population information.  I feel I accomplished these goals by adding background color that was pleasing to the eye and appropriate for its feature without being overbearing.  As always, I wanted the title to concisely explain the map intent and have that echoed with the graphical representation of the data.  Including all essential map elements and properly balancing them on the page was my final step in production.