Using ArcCatalog, I reviewed the data which had been provided. This review allowed me to organize my thoughts and list out the intellectual hierarchy. This task helped me to determine what data I felt was most relevant to my map. Now that I had an idea of what to use, I began the process of layer organization and symbology to begin my visual hierarchy. I structured my layers logically so that more important layers were on top such as the schools and Ward 7. Theses were followed by the transportation and environmental layers, with boundary information at the lowest level. I then begin the task of applying contrast, figure-ground and balance. Using prominent symbology for the schools, they stood out as the main feature. Since Ward 7 was next in importance, I made sure to use figure-ground principles by making the Ward a lighter hue than the surrounding DC area. My next task was to manipulate the environmental features (parks and rivers) so that they were intuitive to the viewer. By using standard colors, blue for water, green for parks, they were easily recognizable. I used color screening to adjust their hues so that they were discernible from the Ward 7 base but not overpowering. I wanted to address the transportation layers next so that they were not so overwhelming. I chose to not use the DC streets as they were unnecessary with respect to the map intent and making them visible was far too much clutter. For the remaining transportation data sets, I chose to make them similar in color but apply contrast by weighting each differently using line width. I created a Ward 7 streets layer with data I had extracted from the main DC streets layer. I wanted these delineated to help identify locales in Ward 7; I did not, however, want them to dominate. I used a grey shade to make them visible, but not overpowering. I made the major streets slightly wider and darker and labeled the ones that appeared to be main arteries both into and through Ward 7. I made one exception to my transportation color scheme. In Ward 7 made the state road red to separate it from the others as it was a significant road that traversed the Ward and connected it to the interstate. This also helped to easily locate where I was in relation to DC using the inset map since this feature was similarly emphasized in both areas. My next task was to label 7 neighbor hoods. I chose a moderate text size and font that was easy to read. By applying a halo effect, the text was easier to read as it stood out from the features below it. I chose a height that showed these were important, but still secondary to the schools. Once I was satisfied with the look of my data view, I switched to layout and began adding the inset map, scale, legend, north arrow, title and author/date/source information. Balancing was an important aspect here, especially due to the oddly shaped base area with which we were working. I wanted to be sure my information was visible but did not detract from the map nor cover important features. Space was at a minimum here, again due to the irregular shape of the AOI. I created the entire map in ArcDesktop. Adjusting symbology and text were mainstays in my map production. I found that tweaking was in order as I made changes to one layer, others needed to be adjusted until I was satisfied with the overall product. Effects such as drop shadow and halo were helpful in emphasizing specific elements and making the map appear tidy without objects overlapping each other. Whew, that was a lot of explanation! Doing took even more effort. I have to say that I initially created a map and felt it looked pretty good. I turned away from the computer, and reviewed the principles in the book and realized I did not hit my target. I returned to the map and assessed my color scheme and weighting. Although everything was visible and the schools and Ward 7 stood out, it just was not quite right. I looked to color brewer for guidance and imported a color scheme that I thought would improve my map. At first having Ward 7 as the lightest feature really bothered me as it did not seem to pop, but as I adjusted the other color schemes and line weighting things really began to take shape. When I returned to my other map I was astonished at how poor it looked! Lesson learned for sure. There were a couple other things I discovered that were helpful. Throughout the process I exported the map to a pdf and noted that there was a significant difference from my display to the resulting map. Using this process throughout helped me to use appropriate colors and weights for printed materials. I also found that by using the focus data frame feature I could tweak the size of my text so that it looked better in the layout view as it was misleading in the data view. I learned a lot from this exercise and feel that I will continue to improve my cartographic skills through use of the principles in this module.
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