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.

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: Monday, 28 January (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: Monday, 11 February (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.
• 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 monday, 3 March, hand in the final map on a flash drive, etc for me to print. All source material must be acknowledged on the map. Central WA University, the Department of Geography and Land Studies, 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 2 days later and the fact that I have to print the maps, they must be in by this date.
• 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 Wednesday during the last week of class, (loss of 5 points if you don't show up).

Due Date and point summary

• Project outline: Monday, 28 January (5 points)
• Sketch Map: Monday, 11 February (5 points)
• Final Map due for printing: Monday, 3 March
• Map Presentation and writeup due, Wednesday, 5 March (20 points)
• Total: 30 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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