GIS 5007 Module 2 - Typography

 

Module 2 of GIS 5007 [Cartography] revolved around the proper use of typography to create a map that is informative to the user, while retaining its visual appeal after labeling has been placed. The map that was created in this module was of the state of Florida with some specific features [such as cities, swamps, and rivers] being labeled according to standards outlined in the text [Field, Kenneth. (2018). Cartography. Esri Press.] To accomplish this, data sets were provided from the University of West Florida that could be imported into ArcGIS. Once these shapefiles were imported, a copy of each was saved into the project geodatabase and the data was manipulated to single out features that needed to be labeled. The 'Select by Attributes' function proved to be a very valuable tool that would isolate these specific features and the remaining geospatial data could be deleted from the newly created feature class; the labeling tool could then be used to place labels onto the map. Finally, for the rivers layer, the text was converted to an annotation feature class to gain more control over the appearance of the curvilinear labels. Once the labels were properly placed, full discretion was given to the student to create an aesthetically pleasing deliverable. 

Some of the customizations that were made to this particular map are discussed below:

The first modification to the map was to choose an appropriate sans serif font that was visually attractive, and Microsoft Sans Serif was utilized due to personal preference; this font was also used in the labels for cities [sans serif fonts are standard for manmade landmarks], and also reused in all the marginalia to tie in the necessary map elements with the map itself. The second modification made to this map was to choose an earth-toned color scheme that was not too bright or vivid but was also not too dull and boring. To prevent the text and map elements from becoming too distracting to the viewer, no black was used in this map at all. This allowed the earthy color scheme to draw in the user’s attention and also prevent any peripheral elements from muting the information being conveyed by the map. The final customization made to the map was to choose an appropriate background that would accessorize the map itself and mute out any unnecessary white space. For this background, a textured blue was chosen because it is not too bright that it distracts the user’s eyes, but it also loosely resembles the appearance of water, which is fitting since the map is a representation of the state of Florida. Without these customizations, this map would be informative, but would not draw in the map viewer’s attention as it does now.