Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Lab 3: Photosynth
Citizens as Censors
SEE MY PHOTOSYNTH PROJECT HERE.
The photosynth map I created is one of a bench in a backyard in the city of Buena Park. I added a geotag for reference in Bing maps. The synth I created is 91% "synthy." I approached this project as an example of using volunteered geographic information (VGI) to advertise an item for sale. In other words, Photosynth was used as a means to depict an object from different vantage points in a 3-D view and to show its location on the map. The park bench was photographed from 45 different angles to create a 3-D view of the bench in 180 degrees. It was then geotagged in Bing maps, so that potential buyers could stop by to see the bench in person and/or pick it up after purchasing it.
Michael F. Goodchild's article, "Citizens as Censors: the world of volunteered geography," can be integrated into my particular Photosynth map in that I, as the photographer and Photosynth user, have contributed to the wide database of volunteered geographic information on the web. I am a "citizen sensor" in that I provide information that is relevant to me and post it for the public to see; hence, I am an indicator of a specific human interest. I use VGI to sell a commodity. Using a simple digital camera, owning a laptop with good graphics hardware, and having access to the Internet have allowed me to put forth an image's location on the Web through the interface of Bing maps.
The potential pitfalls of volunteered geographic information lie in the accuracy of the location and description of what information is posted online. For example, the location of my photograph could be off by several meters, from 10-100 and so forth. This is an example of the inaccuracy of volunteered geographic information. Unlike traditional mapping agencies that have standards and specifications to manage geographic information, creating personal maps and images on Photosynth is unregulated.
However, VGI shows a lot of promise in that it examines location on earth according to the interests and observations of its users - in other words, through the eyes of the individual photographers and amateur cartographers. The methods by which image capture, geotagging, referencing and digitizing are done are user-friendly through programs such as Google Earth and are thus popular to the general public. Unlike satellite imagery and remote sensing which capture large swaths of the earth from above, VGI is socially engaging. The esoteric world of professional mapping agencies differs greatly from the blogosphere of human spatial relationships. My park bench would have gone unnoticed by a GeoEye swath. However, as a "citizen censor," I have photographed and mapped it online for my benefit and for the gain of potential buyers. VGI represents life on a map at the ground level - the human level.
SEE MY PHOTOSYNTH PROJECT HERE.
The photosynth map I created is one of a bench in a backyard in the city of Buena Park. I added a geotag for reference in Bing maps. The synth I created is 91% "synthy." I approached this project as an example of using volunteered geographic information (VGI) to advertise an item for sale. In other words, Photosynth was used as a means to depict an object from different vantage points in a 3-D view and to show its location on the map. The park bench was photographed from 45 different angles to create a 3-D view of the bench in 180 degrees. It was then geotagged in Bing maps, so that potential buyers could stop by to see the bench in person and/or pick it up after purchasing it.
Michael F. Goodchild's article, "Citizens as Censors: the world of volunteered geography," can be integrated into my particular Photosynth map in that I, as the photographer and Photosynth user, have contributed to the wide database of volunteered geographic information on the web. I am a "citizen sensor" in that I provide information that is relevant to me and post it for the public to see; hence, I am an indicator of a specific human interest. I use VGI to sell a commodity. Using a simple digital camera, owning a laptop with good graphics hardware, and having access to the Internet have allowed me to put forth an image's location on the Web through the interface of Bing maps.
The potential pitfalls of volunteered geographic information lie in the accuracy of the location and description of what information is posted online. For example, the location of my photograph could be off by several meters, from 10-100 and so forth. This is an example of the inaccuracy of volunteered geographic information. Unlike traditional mapping agencies that have standards and specifications to manage geographic information, creating personal maps and images on Photosynth is unregulated.
However, VGI shows a lot of promise in that it examines location on earth according to the interests and observations of its users - in other words, through the eyes of the individual photographers and amateur cartographers. The methods by which image capture, geotagging, referencing and digitizing are done are user-friendly through programs such as Google Earth and are thus popular to the general public. Unlike satellite imagery and remote sensing which capture large swaths of the earth from above, VGI is socially engaging. The esoteric world of professional mapping agencies differs greatly from the blogosphere of human spatial relationships. My park bench would have gone unnoticed by a GeoEye swath. However, as a "citizen censor," I have photographed and mapped it online for my benefit and for the gain of potential buyers. VGI represents life on a map at the ground level - the human level.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The NY Times Election 2008 Map
Sharpening map-making skills with ArcGIS.
Katrina's Replica
The above map is a replica I created with ArcMap of the NY Times 2008 Election map. The original is pictured below and can also be viewed here.
The above map has several strengths and weaknesses. The symbolization and classification of data according to the election data is well represented with the bar graphic at the top of the page and was carefully replicated. The Lambert Conic Conformal Projection was utilized as well, as this creates a much more aesthetically pleasing map to the viewer in terms of map projections.
There are three ways that the map can be improved. Firstly, the scale of the map is not as well represented in the replicated map as in the original. The sizes of the thematic Continental United States and Alaska and Hawaii are not as accurately rendered as the bar graphic, for example, nor is the font type. I am assuming that the font, Helvetica, is the closest font type to the original; however, ArcMap in the PAB 2035B lab did not have Helvetica as an installed font. As a result, I used the Arial font. Secondly, the color of the map could be improved by toning down the blue and red hues so that they are not too vivid and overwhelming. Thirdly, information graphics could be utilized to make the map more robust in terms of the amount of information provided. For example, the geographic distribution of the number of female, male, Black, White, Asian, and Hispanic voters could be plotted in pop up graphs that would appear with mouse-overs. Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Adobe Flash) would be utilized in conjunction with ArcGIS to make the map more visually stunning, interactive, and informative to the viewer.
The Original
Katrina's Replica
The above map is a replica I created with ArcMap of the NY Times 2008 Election map. The original is pictured below and can also be viewed here.
The above map has several strengths and weaknesses. The symbolization and classification of data according to the election data is well represented with the bar graphic at the top of the page and was carefully replicated. The Lambert Conic Conformal Projection was utilized as well, as this creates a much more aesthetically pleasing map to the viewer in terms of map projections.
There are three ways that the map can be improved. Firstly, the scale of the map is not as well represented in the replicated map as in the original. The sizes of the thematic Continental United States and Alaska and Hawaii are not as accurately rendered as the bar graphic, for example, nor is the font type. I am assuming that the font, Helvetica, is the closest font type to the original; however, ArcMap in the PAB 2035B lab did not have Helvetica as an installed font. As a result, I used the Arial font. Secondly, the color of the map could be improved by toning down the blue and red hues so that they are not too vivid and overwhelming. Thirdly, information graphics could be utilized to make the map more robust in terms of the amount of information provided. For example, the geographic distribution of the number of female, male, Black, White, Asian, and Hispanic voters could be plotted in pop up graphs that would appear with mouse-overs. Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Adobe Flash) would be utilized in conjunction with ArcGIS to make the map more visually stunning, interactive, and informative to the viewer.
The Original
Saturday, January 9, 2010
What Makes a Good and a Bad Map?
We've all have been there before. We've stumbled across them in textbooks, fumbled with them in crowded cities, theme parks, and in the back of a car while simultaneously shouting at the driver to turn right or left - we really don't know. We've been overwhelmed, befuddled - most of all, lost. Why? Poor mapmaking; in this case we exclude the possibility of certain individuals' incompetence at reading well-designed maps. Most of all, we've taken maps for granted.
So what makes maps well-designed? There are so many elements that go into creating them. Map making is both an art and a science. It requires skill, talent, technology, training, and an artistic eye. All maps have different purposes. Cartographers must seek to make their maps as readable as possible to specific audiences.
Here, I have chosen one example of a good map and one of a bad map, and why (maps from Urban.org).
Example of a bad map
Why it is a bad map
There is no title or legend to describe what the map is depicting. A scale bar is missing, as well as a North arrow. The symbols, lines and points in the map do not have a legend for the viewer to understand what they represent. There are also too many red-brown points which make it difficult for the reader to see the map clearly, as many symbols overlap. The current scale of the map makes it difficult for one to see all the points. A map with the most relevant points, or a map that is larger in scale will make it easier to read. The map does not contain the name of the creator, source, or date. Finally, the aesthetics of the map are not appealing and do not have a color harmony that appeals to the viewer's eye.
Example of a good map
Why it is a good map
This is a good map for several reasons. It contains all the essential elements that are necessary for good map making. These are: a title, legend, scale bar, north arrow, neat/accurate lines, a date, and the map sources. The title is the largest font size on the map and should be clearly visible (usually at the top of the page). The legend allows the viewer to understand what the points on the map represent. The scale bar provides a sense of distance for the viewer and is usually placed at the bottom of the map. The North arrow, in the same way, provides a sense of direction for the viewer. Neat, accurate lines depict relevant areas on the map that are highlighted for the viewer. The date and the map sources are important for citing references and letting the viewer know when the map was created in case it is time sensitive. Finally, the aesthetics of the map are pleasing, and everything is neatly arranged on the page. The colors complement each other but are not too overwhelming.
So what makes maps well-designed? There are so many elements that go into creating them. Map making is both an art and a science. It requires skill, talent, technology, training, and an artistic eye. All maps have different purposes. Cartographers must seek to make their maps as readable as possible to specific audiences.
Here, I have chosen one example of a good map and one of a bad map, and why (maps from Urban.org).
Example of a bad map
Why it is a bad map
There is no title or legend to describe what the map is depicting. A scale bar is missing, as well as a North arrow. The symbols, lines and points in the map do not have a legend for the viewer to understand what they represent. There are also too many red-brown points which make it difficult for the reader to see the map clearly, as many symbols overlap. The current scale of the map makes it difficult for one to see all the points. A map with the most relevant points, or a map that is larger in scale will make it easier to read. The map does not contain the name of the creator, source, or date. Finally, the aesthetics of the map are not appealing and do not have a color harmony that appeals to the viewer's eye.
Example of a good map
Why it is a good map
This is a good map for several reasons. It contains all the essential elements that are necessary for good map making. These are: a title, legend, scale bar, north arrow, neat/accurate lines, a date, and the map sources. The title is the largest font size on the map and should be clearly visible (usually at the top of the page). The legend allows the viewer to understand what the points on the map represent. The scale bar provides a sense of distance for the viewer and is usually placed at the bottom of the map. The North arrow, in the same way, provides a sense of direction for the viewer. Neat, accurate lines depict relevant areas on the map that are highlighted for the viewer. The date and the map sources are important for citing references and letting the viewer know when the map was created in case it is time sensitive. Finally, the aesthetics of the map are pleasing, and everything is neatly arranged on the page. The colors complement each other but are not too overwhelming.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Mapping the 2000 US Census
With the 2010 US Census taking place this year, it will be interesting to reflect on the nationwide census that took place a decade ago. Here, I focus on the population percentage of Black, Asian and people of some other race alone in the United States. Using ESRI's ArcGIS program in my Geography 167 - Cartography class, I have mapped out the locations of the above mentioned as calculated from the 2000 Census.
The following series of maps details the 2000 US Census of the population percentage of Black, Asian and people of some other race alone. The 2000 Census showed that the population of the United States was 281.4 million. These facts and figures are from the US Census website. Of the total, 36.4 million, or 12.9 percent, was Black. Of the 12.9 percent, 12.3 percent reported as Black only. The geographic distribution of the Black only population in 2000 was concentrated mostly in the South, with 54.8 percent residing in the South. 18.8 percent resided in the Midwest, 17.6 resided in the Northeast, and 8.9 percent resided in the Western portion of the United States.
The ten states with the largest Black populations were New York, California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, Maryland, Michigan, and Louisiana. However, the places with the largest Black populations were New York and Chicago. The US Census bureau collected information on race for legislative purposes. It is needed for evaluating and assessing employment programs and for enforcing and implementing programs such as the Equal Opportunity program.
The 2000 Census showed that the population of Asians in the United States was 11.9 million, or 4.2 percent. Of the 11.9 million, 10.2 million reported as Asian only, or 3.6 percent. Between 1990 and 2000, the Asian population increased faster than the total population. The Asian alone population increased by 3.3 million between 1990 and 2000. The geographic distribution of the Asian only population in 2000 was concentrated mostly in the West, with 48.8 percent. 20.7 percent of the Asian only population resided in the Northeast, 18.8 percent reported from the South, and 11.7 percent reported from the Midwest. Over half of all people who reported Asian lived in California, New York and Hawaii. The Asian population was concentrated in counties in the West, especially in California and Hawaii.
The population of some other race along reporting in the 2000 Census reported mostly from the West and in the Midwest. 5.5 percent reported as some other race alone, or 15.3 million people. The geographic distribution for some other race alone accounted for 18 percent or more of the total population in counties in Texas, California, and Washington.
The following series of maps details the 2000 US Census of the population percentage of Black, Asian and people of some other race alone. The 2000 Census showed that the population of the United States was 281.4 million. These facts and figures are from the US Census website. Of the total, 36.4 million, or 12.9 percent, was Black. Of the 12.9 percent, 12.3 percent reported as Black only. The geographic distribution of the Black only population in 2000 was concentrated mostly in the South, with 54.8 percent residing in the South. 18.8 percent resided in the Midwest, 17.6 resided in the Northeast, and 8.9 percent resided in the Western portion of the United States.
The ten states with the largest Black populations were New York, California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, Maryland, Michigan, and Louisiana. However, the places with the largest Black populations were New York and Chicago. The US Census bureau collected information on race for legislative purposes. It is needed for evaluating and assessing employment programs and for enforcing and implementing programs such as the Equal Opportunity program.
The 2000 Census showed that the population of Asians in the United States was 11.9 million, or 4.2 percent. Of the 11.9 million, 10.2 million reported as Asian only, or 3.6 percent. Between 1990 and 2000, the Asian population increased faster than the total population. The Asian alone population increased by 3.3 million between 1990 and 2000. The geographic distribution of the Asian only population in 2000 was concentrated mostly in the West, with 48.8 percent. 20.7 percent of the Asian only population resided in the Northeast, 18.8 percent reported from the South, and 11.7 percent reported from the Midwest. Over half of all people who reported Asian lived in California, New York and Hawaii. The Asian population was concentrated in counties in the West, especially in California and Hawaii.
The population of some other race along reporting in the 2000 Census reported mostly from the West and in the Midwest. 5.5 percent reported as some other race alone, or 15.3 million people. The geographic distribution for some other race alone accounted for 18 percent or more of the total population in counties in Texas, California, and Washington.
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