MAP PRODUCTION PROJECT

This assignment is divided into four parts:

Part 1: Project Outline
Choose a theme for a thematic (special-subject map) or topographic map. Pick anything you like. Remember, that while the map itself must be the focus, you can still include images (ie photos), charts, tables of data, etc.. Unique ideas will be given consideration in the marking scheme. Note - the project is to produce a map, not a poster. If you are unsure of the difference, see me.

Write a two-page report containing the title of your map project, description and justification for the map, data to be collected, software to be used and a brief description of the methods and techniques to be applied.
Due date: Tuesday, 13 April (5 points).

Part 2: Sketch Map

Produce a sketch map (hand-drawn) of what you want to produce as your final project. This should demonstrate all the items you want on the map in their approximate positions and sizes.

Due date: Tuesday, 27 April (5 points)

Part 3: Map Production

Objectives:

• General: To produce and evaluate a high-quality map.
• Specific: To research and collect data, then design, compile and proof a topographic or thematic map.

Your task:

• Research and collect the data necessary to complete the map.
• Using knowledge gained from this and other classes, design and compile an 24"x36" (or as large as 36" x 48" if necessary) color map using the Corel Draw and/or ArcGIS software packages and any other tools such as digitisers and scanners.
• DRAFT DUE: 18 May, by 5:00. No printouts, I want a pdf file. Either email it to me or put it onto a "carto_project_drafts" subdirectory on the transfer drive. (4 points)
• Proof the final map making any necessary changes. Note: it would be wise for you to get things done as far in advance as possible so I can proof things. At a minimum, have a few classmates that will actually be critical look at it.
• By 5:00 PM on wednesday, 2 June you must have this printed out (Kristen will print it). And laminated if you like (it will protect your map and preserve the colors. Goto the CAMPUS copy center, just to the W of the old power plant). All source material must be acknowledged on the map. Central WA University, the Department of Geography, the class name (eg. Geography 413 - Computer Cartography), your name, and your professor's name must be included in the final layout). Note - this is a HARD DEADLINE. In other words, because of the poster session the next morning, they must be printed by 5:00.
• A four page report including: the objective of your map project, data collected and its sources, a flowchart detailing the procedures followed from data collection to the final output map, and a description of the methods and techniques applied. Include a section called "Lessons Learned" - address things you would do differently if you had to make this map again.

Part 4: Map Presentation

• You are required to present your map (and a copy of your report) at a university-wide poster session on thursday, 3 June during the last week of class, (loss of 5 points if you don't show up).

Due Date and point summary

• Project outline: tuesday, 13 April (4 points)
• Sketch Map: tuesday, 27 April (4 points)
• draft map (digital), tuesday, 18 May (4 points)
• Final Map printed by 5:00 on 2 June
• Map Presentation and writeup due, thursday, 3 June (13 points)
• Total: 25 Points

note: if you keep your prof involved in the project from day 1, not only will he know what you've done, but can provide tips etc to help you produce a better, faster, etc. map!

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