Overview

Welcome to Lesson 6! In previous lessons, we discussed broad concepts related to map and map symbol design, including designing for a map’s audience, medium, and purpose. We learned about visual variables and how to designate order and category with map symbols. In the context of text on maps, we discussed these ideas in greater detail; we created symbols with labels and learned how to place them appropriately on maps. We then put everything together in a map layout.

So far, we have only designed maps that use more or less concrete data, such as road networks, lakes, or travel routes. You began to work with more abstract statistical data from the US Census Bureau in Lesson 5. In this lesson, we discuss another type of thematic map symbolization, the proportional symbol and the ways in which we can use maps to effectively visualize spatial statistical data. When deciding how to map, we’ll continue to consider the spatial dimensions and models of geographic phenomena, levels of data measurement, and appropriate methods of visual encoding.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  • identify the visual variables used to display both quantitative and qualitative data in a given map.
  • identify the spatial dimension, model, and level of measurement of geographic phenomena.
  • select appropriate visual variables for data encoding based on the characteristics of the phenomenon to be mapped.
  • use knowledge of data measurement levels and visual variables to thoughtfully critique thematic maps.

Lesson Roadmap

ActionAssignmentDirections
To Read

In addition to reading all of the required materials here on the course website, before you begin working through this lesson, please read the following required readings:

  • Common Thematic Map Types chapter from the UCGIS BoK.
  • User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design chapter from the UCGIS BoK.
  • Symbolization and the Visual Variables chapter from the UCGIS BoK.

Additional (recommended) readings are clearly noted throughout the lesson and can be pursued as your time and interest allow.

The required reading material is available in the Lesson 6 module.
To Do
  • Complete Lab 6.
  • Complete Lesson 6 Quiz.
  • Contribute to the class discussion.
  • Submit Lab 6.
  • Submit Lesson 6 Quiz.
  • See Discussion Participation for ideas and contribute accordingly.

Questions?

If you have questions, please feel free to post them to the Lesson 6 Discussion Forum. While you are there, feel free to post your own responses if you, too, are able to help a classmate.