Making my map
I started by creating my .CSV spreadsheet with a few locations on campus. For privacy’s sake, the only information that is accurate is the Center for Math and Computing. I found that the latitude and longitude given on Google Maps did not exactly match up with all of my locations, so I did have to drag some of my points around manually after importing the file.
To the left is my final map with each building outlined and containing a pop-up with the name of the building and an image of it.
I decided to color code the buildings based on function, so Administrative is blue, Dormitory is green, and Academic is purple.
I wasn’t sure how to add a key to show what each of the colors mean, but I think that would be helpful assuming it is possible within ArcGIS.
I decided to go with the World Topographic base map as it is simple and shows what I need it to. I also decided to toggle “hill-shading” off since height/topography is not relevant to what I am portraying and distracted from the focus of the map.
I found the process fairly easy and learning how to navigate ArcGIS was the most difficult part of this lab.
other applications
Out of everything we’ve done so far in the class, web mapping has been my favorite by far. It opens up a lot of possibilities that are either non-existent or limited with traditional maps and I can personally see more uses for it in my own life and interests.
Because web maps are fluid, they allow for many different “layers” of information to be shown at once and it is easier to view the relationship between these different “layers” or datasets. Instead of finding J on a map and turning to the legend to see what J means, pop-ups like those within ArcGIS make the process of adding and finding additional information more seamless. Similarly, it means that more information can be encoded within one map without it being unreadable or cluttered.
Historical data in particular as it pertains and relates to spacial data is represented well through web mapping and, in my opinion, is one of the best applications.
Hi Lily! I really like how you colored the buildings differently based on their functions. It is very clear and more direct for viewers to see the purpose of visiting each building. I also encountered the issue with having to drag some of the points to their right position. I agree with your point that web mapping gives us more opportunity for personal use, and layers are very useful for showing more information.
It was a good design choice to use a simpler base map to focus on what you wanted to highlight, as a first time user to the map, it made navigating and finding its meaning very easy and intuitive. One suggestion might be to include a legend for what each color means to make it even more efficient to find data. Solid work, I am also a big fan of the vertical orientation of your map embedding.