Google Earth Assignment

Proposed site is a rural area located near Port Sanilac Michigan. Michigan is rated #14 in the top 20 states measured for wind energy potential. (Source. An Assessment of the available Windy Land Area and Wind Energy Potential in the Contiguous United States, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, 1991) This location is within a Class 3 range with wind speed at 50m/h, classified as fair (6.4 – 7 m/s). The classes are in a range from Class 1 (lowest) to Class 7. Class 4 is considered a good resource for generating power. (Source. www.windpoweringamerica.gov/)
I chose this location even though it is a “Fair” classification because of its rural location. The closest town located on the shores of Lake Huron is approximately 400 residents and is 3.2 miles from the site. The height of the wind turbines can be raised to increase productivity of the system. The impacts of noise, shadow flicker and visual/landscape negativity should be at a minimum for this area. Additional studies should be conducted to determine the added impact to migrating birds due to an increase in the turbines height.

Isohyet Map - Contours Drawn by Hand

Immigration Flow Map

Cartogram Map - Non-contiguous

Cartogram Map - Contiguous

Dot Distribution Map

Proportionate Symbol Mapping

I used a range for the legend but for each country I created the symbol using the square root for each value.

Choropleth Map 2 Lab

This map is the second Choropleth Map for the lab assignment. The data was calculated in Excel arranging the states in the Census Division classification. I chose to add the names of the divisions in my legend which I hope helps in the description of the map. I wouldn't have chosen to use 5 Equal Interval Classes because it left one class empty, but it's what the assignment asked for.

Choropleth Map 1 Lab

This map of the percentage change in population for the U.S. was done with a 5 class natural break. I chose the projection of USA Contiguous Albers Equal Area Conic. After experimenting with a few other projections this one gave the best representation. I liked the way this projection displayed Alaska and Hawaii so I chose not to rearrange them on the map.

Map Lettering Assignment

Map Composition Assignment

Here is my first attempt at Illustrator, there are so many other features I wanted to add to my map but it will take a lot more study time (and experimenting) to accomplish that!!

Module 1 "Bad Map"

I have used so many very poor maps but did not keep any of them. These were usually handouts at tourist spots that offered no information, no help and resulted in total confusion.
I found this example at http://www.xefer.com/2008/04/maps. This map is showing foreclosures in Chicago for two years. It is trying to communicate the change in foreclosures for these two consecutive years. The scale and the symbolism chosen doesn't relay to the audience the data that the map is trying to show. The labeling is the only useful information derived from the map.

Module 1 "Good Map"

This is a map of Williamsburg, VA. We recently traveled there for a short weekend vacation. This map was the easiest to use, it guided us from the hotel to the historic district and then to the outskirts where we went on a Winery tour. I think my most favorite part of the trip!! I remember throwing away many of the other maps that we received because some were missing so much information that we kept getting lost. This map even though it does state not to scale was extremely easy to follow. I think it's simplicity is it's greatest asset.

Mental Mapping Exercise

As with almost everyone else in the class I would like to work in an area with nice weather. I am originally from Indiana, live in Maryland now. I am just tired of cold weather. I lived in Southern California, in the high desert and really enjoyed it. I have two grown children in Indiana, and if they decide to stay there, then I'll probably move closer.