GEOG 3523, Computer Mapping Exercise #1: Projections and World Maps, Spring 2003, NSU

GEOG 3523, Computer Cartography, NSU, Spring 2003
Computer Mapping Exercise #1: Projections and World Maps
Assigned:    January 28, 2003                    Due:    February 11, 2003 by 12:30 p.m.

This exercise will reinforce class discussions, textbook readings, "Map Projections" poster, and the tutorials regarding an introduction to ArcView and map projections and will begin using the capabilities of ArcView to create maps. Students should strive for cartographic excellence in each assignment; as new concepts are covered and new skills acquired in the course, the level of cartographic excellence will be expected to increase.
The exercise is worth fifty (50) points. You may work on the exercise with other classmates, but everyone must complete and submit her/his own version of the exercise. There will be some portions of the regular class meeting time devoted to the exercise, but most of the work will likely have to be done outside of class time.
Datasets:
Use the following datasets for this exercise. These Shapefiles (and their associated database and index files) come with ArcView GIS.

world94.shp

deg30.shp

These files can be found in the following directory:
c:\esri\av_gis30\avtutor\arcview\qstart\
Project File:
Create and save your maps (Views and Layouts) all in one Project file. Name your Project file: yourlastname-Exercise1.apr (for example mine would be Ziehr-Exercise1.apr). Each map should begin as a separate View, and each finished map (with required title, legend, etc.) should be in a separate Layout. If you do all of your work using ArcView on campus, then save your Project file on a floppy disk
(A: drive). Warning: ArcView really doesn't much care for floppy disks; it doesn't support the A: drive very well. So, you'll probably want to back-up your work on your L: drive to be safe. If you do your work using ArcView on a home computer as well as on campus, then you will need to save your Project file on a floppy disk (A: drive) so that you can carry it back and forth from home.
Submit to the Instructor:

Printed answers (word processed) to any questions which require a written answer.

A floppy disk with your project file saved on it.

Printed copies of all maps (as required in each problem). All printed maps may be submitted in black and white, but color is fine if you have a color printer. All printed maps must be submitted in one packet.

Problem 1:    World Base Map

A.    Create a world base map which displays the size of countries as accurately as possible. Name your View: Exercise 1: World Base Map.
B.    Design and print a map layout (8.5 x 11 inches) of your world map in Part A. above. Include whatever information on the layout you deem necessary, but you must include the name of the projection and your name (displayed discretely, of course). Name your Layout: Exercise 1: World Base Map.
C. Why did you choose the projection that you used? Why did you choose to include each of the items in your layout?

Problem 2:    Where the Population is Young

A.    Create a world map thematic map showing the percentage of the population in 1989 that was less than 15 years of age (the variable in the database, or theme table, is labelled "Pr_0_14_89"). Use a different projection than you did in Problem 1. Name your View: Exercise 1: Young Population.
B.    Design and print a map layout (8.5 x 11 inches) of your world map in Part A. above. Include whatever information on the layout you deem necessary, but you must include your name (displayed discretely, of course). Name your Layout: Exercise 1: Young Population.
C. Which projection did you choose and why? Explain why you choose to include each of the items in your layout?

Problem 3:    Canada from Space

A.    Use an orthographic projection ("The World from Space") to highlight Canada's place in the Northern Hemisphere. Name your View: Exercise 1: Problem 3.
B.    Create and print a map layout with Canada labelled, a title, no legend, indicate type of projection, and display your name discretely on the page. Name your Layout: Exercise 1: Problem 3.
C. Briefly describe the general properties of your orthographic perspective, and explain why and how you chose to display Canada as you have on your map.

Last revised January 28, 2003.