Geography 360 : Principles of Cartography
In-Class Discussion and Five-Minute Essay
Challenges in Map Symbolization as Part of Map Design
Worth 10 Points and a wealth of insight for the course and exam

Today you will participate in a small group discussion with one or two other classmates about how map symbolization is an important part of map design, hence geographic information representation. We want you to make use of the lecture and lab learning experiences. If you so choose, the five-minute essay you write as part of this activity, as well as the comments you receive can be used to help you prepare the write-up for the lab assignment that is due next week. To help with the discussion, we would like you to use the following steps as a guideline. 

1. Clarify with each other the following questions. 

Based on the maps you have designed and constructed (i.e. dot map, choropleth map, and proportional symbol map) discuss which of the graphical (visual) variables is/are most useful for what data measurement scale?  You can use your book and notes, of course. Why do you think those graphical variable(s) are useful in that map design context?  How might this knowledge about the correspondence between graphical variable and data measurement scale be useful when choosing symbolization for sustainability indicators? Why? Note: Make sure you understand the concept of "indicator" relative to "attribute" (any measured variable).

2. Write your name on a clean sheet of paper. Writing on that paper, take five minutes to respond to the questions. You can agree with the others in your group about your answers, or disagree; but your answers are your own.  Make your case, and stick by it.  Think of the advantages and disadvantages of each symbolization choice, and by all means draw upon your experience having made symbolization (graphical variable) choices.  

3. Trade papers in a multiple-way exchange in your group - so no one has their own essay. 

4. Write your name below the original author’s name and write “written comment” next to your name. Comment in written form on the answer your classmate provided in the essay. Write directly on their paper. Remember to be cordial and constructive. Make sure you clarify which question your classmate answered. 

5. Exchange papers again so that you have an opportunity to read your classmate’s essay as well as your other classmate’s comments to that essay. Write your name on the paper and write “verbal comments” next to your name. Each student taking a turn (if no one volunteers then start in alphabetical order by last name), comment verbally on the original essay as well as the written comment(s) on the essay. Do you agree or not with the interpretation? You can ask for clarification. How might you see the topic in the same or different way than your classmates? 

6. Return the essay to the original author. You may edit your essay to improve your answer before you turn it in.
If you use a second sheet of paper, make sure your name is on both. 

7. Turn in your essay. As mentioned above, this essay, and now the comments, should help you think through and respond to the questions on the exam. We will hand back the essays as soon as possible. 

Find below the rubric that your instructors will use to evaluate your essays (10 points).
0 : unacceptable - no show, and no medical excuse or other form of absence not approved in advance
2 : low acceptability - participate in discussion about  map symbolization design
4: low-medium acceptability - elucidate concepts underlying map symbolization design
6: medium acceptability - elucidate concepts underlying map symbolization design and provide an example
8: medium-high acceptability - elucidate concepts & evidence underlying map symbolization design, and provide example
10: high acceptability - elucidate concepts, constraints and evidence about map symbolization design, and provide examples