For my well designed example I used SC Wildlife Zones:
Here is the critique I wrote for the map:
While not complex
and multivariate, this map is well designed for its purpose. The cartographer certainly placed concept
before compilation and clearly delineated the requisite data. The colors on the map are engaging without
being too bright. The depth of color is
clear within appropriate zones while allowing for underlying features and text
to be visible. This along with the well
placed title, subtitles, north arrow, scale bar, legend and date make the map
layout attractive. While the Zone
number, county boundaries and names are not specified in the legend, the
objective is clear and helps to keep the clutter to a minimum by not
over-weighting the legend with extraneous information that can be surmised by
the user. The combination of all of
these elements successfully engaged my emotions causing me to want to stop and
study the map rather than giving it a cursory glance. As a hunter, I would be able to use this map
to quickly determine the game zone in which I was hunting. Using the hyperlink on the map, I would be
able to quickly determine specific regulations for the zone in which I was
hunting as well as other pertinent information.
For my poorly designed example I used Hurricanes_1851-2005:
Here is the critique I wrote for the map:
This map makes me
frustrated and sad. The cartographer had
an intent to display data concerning hurricanes from 1851-2005 in the Atlantic
Ocean. Having seen well done versions of
these maps I am aware of how much data can be gleaned from using similar map
features but providing thorough and detailed labeling. Because of its lack of labeling and no use of
data explanation for important events with the data, the map utterly fails to
convey complex ideas with clarity, precision and efficiency. If I did not already have knowledge of the
subject matter, I would not have any idea as to the intent of this map. In my opinion, the cartographer should have
conceptualized exactly what he wanted to convey. Was it hurricane quantity,
hurricane strength, common pathways? Did
he want to include possible cause from water temperatures and climatic events
from other nearby continents and ocean currents? Many tracks could have been taken to produce
a map that would be visually appealing yet allow for quantitative information
to be determined through use of better scale, labeling, and explanations of
critical events. Because of the
denseness of hurricane data along the eastern seaboard, Panama, Cuba, the
Bahamas, Virgin Islands and South America it would be important to narrow the
scope of the data to be conveyed. One
might need to do a series of Map Plates in order to graphically convey all the
data for analysis. Another approach
could produce graphical representations of important events and other data
being conveyed that could be used in conjunction with the main theme of this
map. Thus a large amount of information
could be provided in a logical efficient manner, allowing the user to focus on
the main theme and use the additional information to glean insight and analyze
the data. Critical to either style would
be to produce a scale suitable for the information conveyed and the area
represented. Including a north arrow and
scale bar with appropriate units would also be helpful. Depending on the theme determined, the legend
should include logical explanations of the symbology and colors. Labeling the continents and possibly the
states would be helpful. If labeling the
states becomes too cluttered due to hurricane tracks, a small “cut-out” could
be included in one of the blank areas such as northern California and Canada as
they are not affected by hurricanes according to this map. Again, depending on
the intent the above mentioned information may or may not be necessary. While the map is currently poorly designed,
it has tremendous potential to be reworked and become a visually appealing,
useful map.
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