GIS 4006 M1 Lab: Map Critique
In this unit, we were asked to review a list of maps and pick one that qualified as a well designed map, and one poorly designed map, and to justify our choices by referring to map principles that we had learned, namely 20 "Tufteisms," design principles from catrographer Edgar Tufte, and six "commands" from cartographer John Krygier. Well designed map synopsis: Overall grade: B+ I liked this map because it easily and intuitively conveys information over a large number of data points (every US county) with an easy to read symbology that’s intuitive to the reader. The map’s title and subtitle explain the map’s purpose, the data sources are clearly identified, and the map layout/ “real estate” is effectively utilized, fitting in three inset maps, a locator map, a legend, sources, and a contextual text box without feeling cluttered or including useless information. It made what I believe is a good design choice – there are 9 outlier counties where the larges...