Lesson 1 Lab

Lesson 1 Lab

Introduction to Map Design

This week, we'll be making two (2) general-purpose 8.5" x 11" maps. In addition to being an introduction to map-making in ArcGIS Pro, this lab brings together a variety of concepts discussed in this lesson. When making these maps, you'll need to consider
- scale
- visual variables
- map symbols
- audience, medium, and purpose. 

All the requirements for this lab are listed below: you should reference this page as you work, and before you submit your final maps.

Lab Objectives

• Create two (2) general-purpose maps by designing line and area features in ArcGIS Pro.
• Explore multi-scale map design by designing symbols for maps at two different scales.
• Minimize reliance on the use of color as a visual variable by designing at least one (1) map using only a greyscale.

Overall Lab Requirements

For Lab 1, you will create two (2) general-purpose maps in ArcGIS Pro.

• Choose an area (likely a city) in Louisiana with a wide variety of map features—you must include the required number of map features for each map, so avoid selecting a remote rural location. The two maps you create should show the same approximate location but at different scales.
• Demonstrate map feature category and order by symbolizing the data provided:
  • Design to emphasize a visual difference in category (e.g., roads, counties, cities, flowlines, waterbodies). Symbol design should denote the categorical difference between features when appropriate.
  • Design to emphasize visual importance (i.e., order) of features (e.g., local road, secondary road, interstate). Within a category, symbols should be similar but show order.
• Use multi-layer line and area symbols, and design features appropriately for each map scale.
• IMPORTANT: Do not include any labels or text except your name, and no map elements (north arrow, scale bar, etc.) on your map—we will work on map labeling and layout design with the map elements in later labs.

Individual Map Requirements

Map One

• Scale: 1:24,000
• Must not include any color—design in greyscale only.
• Must include the following features:
  • at least three types of transportation features (e.g., interstate, local roads, rails, trails, etc.)
  • at least three types of waterbodies (e.g., lake or pond, reservoir, etc.)
  • at least one type of flowline (e.g., streams, artificial paths, etc.)
  • at least one political boundary feature
• For the purpose of this lab, features are considered different if defined differently in the data (e.g., local and collector roads have different TNMFRC codes; lakes and reservoirs have different FTypes).
• Produce the map at 8.5" x 11"  
• Include a short statement (no more than 100 words) that explains the imagined purpose and audience for a map (yes, be imaginative here). Also, be sure to explain the intended visual order of importance to the map features that you included and symbolized on the map and how that order was achieved.

Map Two

• Scale: 1:100,000
• Must include some or all color.
• Must include the following features:
  • at least four types of transportation features (e.g., interstate, local roads, rails, trails, etc.)
  • at least two types of waterbodies (e.g., lake or pond, reservoir, etc.)
  • at least two types of flowlines (e.g., streams, artificial paths, etc.)
  • at least two political boundary features (e.g., parish and city limits)
• Produce the map at 8.5" x 11"  
• For the purpose of this lab, features are considered different if defined differently in the data (e.g., local and collector roads have different TNMFRC codes; lakes and reservoirs have different FTypes).
• Include a short statement (no more than 100 words) that explains the imagined purpose and audience for a map (yes, be imaginative here). Also, be sure to explain the intended visual order of importance to the map features that you included and symbolized on the map and how that order was achieved.  

Lab Instructions

1. Download the Lab 1 zipped file (575 MB). This is a bit file. It contains:
   • a project (.aprx) file to be opened in ArcGIS Pro
   • database with all required data. The data source for this lesson is The National Map. Note: The .aprx file will contain all requried data loaded and organized. The goal of this lab is to focus on symbol design without worrying about any data downloading, data cleaning, or database organizing tasks.
2. Extract the zipped folder, and double-click the blue (.aprx) file to open ArcGIS Pro.
   • Once the file is open, you're ready to go! There are few ordered steps to complete this lab - map design is not a linear process - but following along with the visual guide will put you on the right path. 
   • Note: this is a big file and can take a long time to render. As a suggestion, once you have decided on an area of interest for your map, you can (and probably should) delete the rest of the map features. 

Grading Criteria

There is a rubric for your review.

Ready to Begin?

More instructions are provided in Lesson 1 Lab Visual Guide.