Geography 472

 

Assignment 1

 

Map Critique

 

Due: one week from today, beginning of lecture for discussion

Percentage: 5% of final grade

 

Purpose

 

The purpose of this assignment is to have you review the basic elements of cartographic design, evaluate how well these principles have been applied in the design of a print or web thematic map of your choice, and to have you think critically about map design.

 

Readings

 

The readings for this assignment are:

 

Tufte, E. (2006) Beautiful Evidence, Graphics Press, pp. 122-139

*Slocan, Thematic Cartography and Geographic Visualization, Ch. 1 (1.2,1.2,1.3), Ch. 10 and Ch 11

 

*Dent, B. Thematic Map Design, McGraw-Hill (any edition), introduction and chapters on graphic design, colour (this book is on reserve in the GIC)

*Robinson, A. Elements of Cartography, chapters on graphic design

* one of these three: required reading for these who did not take 372; skim review for those who did
 

Assignment

 

You are to find a recently produced thematic map (versus a reference map), and in two pages (not more than 600 words), present a critique of the map.  Your critique should include a discussion of: content; supporting information (scale, orientation, source statement, legend, title, borders); figure ground; overall graphic balance and design; colour; lettering.

You are to hand in: a copy of or a link to your map, and your essay.