GIS4043 - Week 3 - GIS Cartography

Maps of Mexico

The GIS Cartography lab really helped me start to feel more confident in navigating ArcMap.  In this lab we were tasked with creating three maps.  Figure 1 is a map of Mexico.  This map identifies individual Mexican states with name labels and displays the population sizes of the states by using a gradient color scheme for population ranges.  Countries bordering Mexico are also displayed and identified but are not the focus of the map.  In order to only view the individual Mexican states, we were required to create a data subset, Mexican States, and then export this subset to create a new shapefile.  Editing the population ranges displayed in the Legend was another new task to learn.  I used the data shown in the Attribute table to help determine the "rounded" ranges.  I also watched a video to help me better understand Frame lines versus Neat lines.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzscI_JhZgI

Figure 1: Map of Mexican States

With Figure 2 we take a closer look at Central Mexico.  I became more familiar with correctly using Data View and Layout View to display the features I wanted to emphasize.  We added layers to this closeup perspective (rivers, roads, and railways).  De-cluttering the map was an important assignment.  Creating layer groups within the Table of Contents also kept this map organized.  We used data information from the Attribute table to display certain subsets of the Surface Water layer and population data.  The Central Mexico map highlights urban areas with populations greater than 1 million people.  This task was performed by creating a new "class" label.  Discovering editing methods in the Symbology tab was an important element to creating this map.   There are different symbol libraries to choose unique symbol styles to display in Legends and on the map.  Instead of displaying feature labels we converted these labels to annotations, enabling us to edit these text boxes more effectively in the Data View.  An inset map was also placed on the page to provide reference/context to the location we were describing.   Using Extent Indicators I created a border indicating the location within Mexico.  I also edited the Placement of the country name label in the inset map from "horizontal" to "straight".  Working with two data frames was a new concept.   

Figure 2: Map of Urban Areas in Central Mexico

Lastly, Figure 3 presents the topography of Mexico.  A sequential color scheme was selected to highlight the ranked elevation data.   This was my first time working with raster data.  I selected a color ramp that would show a clear contrast in elevation levels.  The spectrum I chose enables the map audience to clearly see the highest elevation areas as well as valleys and coastlines.  The appearance of raster data sets can be enhanced by "stretching" or "classifying" the data.  My map used a stretched symbology scheme to modify the brightness, contrast, and gamma properties of the raster dataset.  I chose to use color symbology to indicate individual border countries but decided not to label them as the focus of this map was Mexico.  An inset map was added to provide a point of reference to the location being shown.

Figure 3: Topography Map of Mexico

I enjoyed this lab assignment but it was very time consuming for me.  Using the same original map and layers to create three different maps by applying various modifications, enabled some concepts learned in previous lab assignments to be reinforced.  I also feel more comfortable using two data frames and navigating between views in ArcMap.  I now realize there are a variety of options in regards to symbology and labeling.  Using these ArcGIS tools wisely can greatly enhance the appearance of your maps.