GEOB 472

Assignment 3

Deconstructing a Map

Due: after reading break; next class (28th), beginning of the class. All students do this assignment, even those leading the discussion. 5% of course mark

References

Harley, 1989 "Deconstructing the Map," Cartographica, 6/1: 1-20

Assignment (2-3 pages)

The objective of this assignment is to have you deconstruct a map, static or interactive, print or web based. Hand in the map with your assignment.

Deconstruct the map taking into consideration the intention of the map and any noticeable biases in the visualization of the data.

Once you deconstruct the map, provide your own opinion of the data selection and display process that went into the construction of the map; whether or not you can legitimize these biases. You should also suggest alternative design solutions which would have provided a less biased view of the data.

Please note: provide constructive criticism, and do not pick a map that has been created as a result of advertizing dollars - ie a tourism map of Vancouver with Starbucks all over it - because Starbucks gave money for the printing of the map, and do not pick a historic map, it must be published within the last 20 years.