GEOG 3523, Computer Cartography, NSU, Spring 2003

Computer Mapping Exercises #4 & #5 Combined:  Dot Density Mapping and Capstone Mapping Project

Assigned:    April 3, 2003                    Due:   Friday, May 2, 2003 by 5 p.m.

This exercise will focus first on dot density mapping; be sure to work through the "Dot Density Mapping" tutorial and review Chapter 8 in the textbook.  The exercise then will call upon most of the computer cartography skills in this course to demonstrate your overall map design skills.   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.  This combined exercise is worth one hundred (100) points.  The value of each portion of the exercise is given in brackets in the requirements.

The primary focus of this final exercise will be on designing a set of maps to accomplish a set of user-defined, decision support tasks.  Each cartographer (you've earned that title by now) will define her/his own specific mapping project outlining the problem or problems to be addressed, describing and obtaining the appropriate datasets, designing and producing a map set to be used to help address the stated tasks (problems or questions).



Requirements for Capstone Mapping Project:
  1. [16] Define a specific problem or problems (or questions) for which a series of maps will be helpful in solving the problem(s) or answering the questions.  The problems or questions can come from any area of endeavor that you prefer, such as environmental management, economic development, geography education, marketing, urban or regional planning, demography.  Be sure you clearly identify the users involved in your problem and the format in which your maps will be used (such as digitally or in printed form).  Create a wordprocessor file in Word, WordPerfect, or Rich Text Format for your problem definition.  Save it in a file entitled:   yourlastname-capstone-definition.

  2. [15] Describe and obtain the appropriate data.  You may use datasets that already exist within ArcView, data from any of the previous exercises, data that you download from the WWW, or real-world data that you obtain from any source (including fieldwork).  Put the data in appropriate form for use with ArcView.  Be sure it is clear why these data are important to your mapping project and how they will be used. Be sure to clearly indicate the source of your data.  Create a wordprocessor file in Word, WordPerfect, or Rich Text Format for your data description.  Save it in a file entitled:   yourlastname-capstone-data.

  3. [45] Design a set of at least three maps for use in a problem-solving context. You must have at least one dot-density map, one choropleth map, and either a base map or a proportional symbol map.  There will be a five (5) point bonus for each additional map up to three (3) other maps (of any type) that will add value to your problem-solving endeavor.  Create layouts for each of these maps; at least one of your layouts must contain an inset map in addition to the main map.  Make sure the titles of your Views and Layouts clearly identify what is being mapped.

  4. [24] Write an explanation and justification for how you designed each of the three required maps.  Include such things as your choice of projections, layout format, symbols, colors, scale, legend, etc.  Create a wordprocessor file in Word, WordPerfect, or Rich Text Format for your explanation.  Save it in a file entitled:   yourlastname-capstone-explanation

  5. Save all of your files on your L: drive (or, if you prefer, on A: if they will fit or C: if you have a home computer).  Put the commands for creating your maps and layouts in ONE project file with the filename: yourlastname-capstone.apr.  Send me all the files required to run your project and to address items 1, 2, and 4 above as attachments to an e-mail (because they may not all fit on a floppy) or submit them on a floppy disk (if they'll fit); whichever you prefer.
Created April 3, 2003.