Geography 360 : Principles of Cartography
Five-Minute Essay Make-up - Which Will Probably Take about 30 or More Minutes
Challenges in Map Symbolization as Part of Map Design
Worth 10 Points and a wealth of insight for the course and exam

This assignment will get you to consider the link between the concepts presented in lecture and the methods you are using in the lab assignment about how choropleth map design is an important part of geographic representation of sustainability indicators. If you so choose, the essay you write as part of this activity can be used to help you prepare the write-up for the lab assignment.  Assignment is due the class day that follows the respective in-class discussion.

1. Consider the following questions and ask yourself if you understand what is being asked.  If not, refer to your notes or to your book.

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?  Why? 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. Type an essay that answers all the questions.  Please repeat the set of questions at the beginning of your essay.

3. Turn in your essay.  As mentioned above, this essay should help you think through and respond to the questions in Lab Assignment. We will hand back the essays as soon as possible after you turn them in for grading.

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