Module 1: Map Critique and Adobe Illustrator

     This week's lesson focused on the principles of design and the commandments of map-making. The lesson also covered exporting a map from ArcGIS Pro to ArcGIS Online, and then importing the web map from ArcGIS Online to Adobe Illustrator. We were asked to select and critique two maps, one good and one poor, according to the principles of design. The selected good map (top) and poor map (bottom) are pictured above.
            The Fern Hollow Trail map elements and labels convey their information clearly and effectively; additionally, they occupy negative space and do not obscure any crucial aspects of the map. Thus, the map is an excellent example of the third, fourth, and fifth mapping commandments. The austere appearance of the map represents the first mapping commandment; only the important information has been included, such as trails, campsites, bridges, and logging roads. The simplicity of the map appeals to me, giving a clean and organized look to the map. I also enjoy the layout of the map elements, specifically how they frame the information being displayed. Though I normally prefer color, the greyscale has a somewhat refreshing charm to it.
            The poor-quality map is extremely cluttered and difficult to read. The map elements are mixed in with the various features and nigh impossible to find, there are also two scale bars present. All of this breaks the third, fourth, and fifth map commandments. It is difficult to tell what area is being displayed, this could be fixed by changing the map extent to encompass a larger area. The scale bar and north arrow are both hidden amongst the clutter. A solution to this would be to place them in any available negative space or to create a blank background to place them atop. Additionally, there is no need for two scale bars. The best way to reduce the clutter and clean up the map is to either to remove a few feature layers or to adjust symbology so that the less important layers fade more into the background. The current state of the map has the various layers fighting for attention.