Module 7 - Intellectual and Visual Hierarchies

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Define intellectual hierarchy
2. Design intellectual hierarchy that supports the map's intent
3. Define visual hierarchy
4. Establish visual hierarchy that reflects the intellectual hierarchy
5. Distinguish between poor visual hierarchy and good visual hierarchy
6. Explain the figure-ground perceptual effect
7. List several ways to enhance visual hierarchies on maps

TERMS TO KNOW

• intellectual hierarchy
• visual hierarchy
• figure-ground
• design guide
• visual difference
• detail
• edges
• closure
• layering
• texture
• shape & size

READING ASSIGNMENT

Chapter 7 of your text - MakingMaps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS

The author's outline for this chapter from the class he teaches using this book - Thanks for sharing Dr. Krygier!

Figure - Ground in Map Design - Wikipedia

ACTIVE LEARNING EXERCISE

Posted last week...
http://gis251.blogspot.com/2007/03/cartographic-representation-in.html

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. How would a map help us to better understand Luke Helder's two-week spree of bombings?
2. How could map scale cause us not to understand Luke Helder's bombing spree?
3. What is intellectual hierarchy?
4. How does the importance of features related to intellectual hierarchy?
5. What is visual hierarchy?
6. What is the figure-ground perceptual effect and list several ways to enhance it on maps.

Module 7 - Active Learning Exercise

Cartographic Representation in Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop can be used to enhance cartographic design of geographic information from a GIS. GIS is especially efficient at processing and analyzing geographic data however can sometimes lack the cartographic tools necessary for professional graphic output. Photoshop has greater 'control' over graphic design parameters such as transparencies, color adjustments (hue, saturation and value), color balance, brightness/contrast, shadowing, bevel and embossing and more. The two used in tandem allow for a powerful mapping and design environment.

General Process

Create a map with all layers of interest in ArcMap (or many other GISystems that can export to images). From that map, maintaining a constant scale) export individual layers to image files. These can be JPG's, BMP's or anything else that Photoshop will read. I have experimented with JPG and BMP but can not tell much difference. Load the images into Photoshop and utilize the graphic design and color enhancement capabilities of Photoshop to design map.

For this exercise, we will be using the following layers:

• Digital Elevation Model
• Hillshade Relief
• Streams (?)
• Roads
• Municipalities
• National Forest
• National Parks

==> You can get the data for this exercise HERE or you can use your own data. Try to use similar layers if you use your own. <==

Load and symbolize data in ArcMap then export map layers to individual image files

1. Open the included map document from the data above or create your own map document in ArcMap
2. Load the data layers and symbolize them as you see fit. A couple of suggestions. The DEM should be symbolized with an 'elevation' color ramp and should not be made transparent. Do not symbolize any layers as transparent. This will be done in Photoshop.
4. Above is an example of the map in ArcMap. Note that none of the layers are transparent. We will turn off all the layers and turn on one at a time exporting that layer to a BMP to use in Photoshop. It is CRITICAL that we do not change the scale or position (no zooming or panning) of the data within ArcMap in between exporting the layers to BMP's. Photoshop does not have a method to 'register' (or georeference) the images we will export so that they 'overlay' properly. We will achieve this by maintaining a constant scale and not panning in ArcMap throughout this entire process. I set a fixed scale and a bookmark within the data frame to keep the layers in the same position for exporting. I set the scale at 1:325,000 because it seems to fit nicely on my screen.
5. Export your layers from ArcMap to Bitmaps - one bitmap for each layer
   1. Turn off all but one layer
   2. File ==> Export Map
   3. Turn that layer off and turn on the next layer, again File ==> Export Map
      
   4. Do this for all the layers in your map document
   5. When you finish, you should have a BMP for each layer in your map document.

Load images into Photoshop

1. Open Adobe Photoshop
2. Open the CountyBoundary bitmap (mine is called cnty_bnd.bmp) - The first file you open comes in as the 'background layer' and is locked by default. We need to change this.
3. Double click the background layer in the layers dialog box on the right.
4. Rename the layer 'County Boundary' and click OK - This will 'unlock' the layer as well.
5. Use the Magic Wand tool to select the white area outside the county boundary and press delete.
6. Repeat to the white area inside the county boundary.
7. Your image should show a 'checkered' pattern in the background indicating there is no color there.
8. Save your Photoshop file (.psd) and save it often.

9. 

Now, Place the other images on top of this one in the Photoshop file

1. File ==> Place - Choose the BMP of municipalities (mine is called municipalities.bmp) - press enter when it comes in.

Notice the background of this image covers the entire county boundary. You must rasterize this image, then select the unnecessary part and delete.

1. Right-click the municipalities layer ==> Rasterize Layer
2. Use the Magic Wand to select the areas (white areas) that ARE NOT municipalities and press delete
   • Make sure notice the small donut holes in the middle of some of the municipalities that are also white - you need to zoom in, select them and delete. You will also need to do this with the National Forest and any other layers that have small areas inside
3. Your map should look similar to the one below at this stage
4. 
5. Next Place (file ==> place)the DEM, rasterize the layer and delete the outer white portions of the layer. It is currently layered on top of the other layers.
6. Drag the DEM to the bottom so the other layers are displayed on top of it.
7. Next, Place the Hillshade.bmp and put it below the DEM. Also, rasterize this layer and delete the outer white background.
8. Continue Placing the layers until they are all part of you Adobe Photoshop file.
9. Save your document to a photoshop (.psd) file.
10. Order the layers so they make sense - your file should look something like the one below with the same layers ordered the same.
11. 

Your layers may differ slightly from the above but it should generally be similar. NOTE: I did not include streams, the parkway, or the Appalachian Trail. Feel free to include these if you like. Practice turning layers on and off to see how similar it is to GIS now that you have them all lined up.

Manipulate layers in Photoshop

Now that we have all the layers loaded into Photoshop, we'll work with the transparencies, shadowing, bevelling and more. For each layer, go to the Blending Options. To get to the Blending Options, right-click each layer in the layers window and and go to Blending Options. Use the guide below as a reference for where to start with manipulating the characteristics of each layer. Feel free to explore and go beyond what is suggested below.

1. For the DEM - make it transparent - ==> General Blending ==> Opacity ==> 75% (you should experiment and make it as transparent as you see fit). This will enable you to see the Hillshade through the DEM giving a 3D effect.
2. For the Municpalities - try the Inner Shadow (try a couple others, i like the inner shadow)
3. For the Roads - Bevel and Emboss. and Drop Shadow
4. For the SmokyMtnNP - transparent and Inner Glow
5. For the NationalForest - transparent and Drop Shadow

That's it for now folks. SAVE YOUR ADOBE PHOTOSHOP FILE because next we'll be adding text to the map!

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a powerful graphic design tool. It can be used to enhance your cartographic productions beyond the level of normal Geographic Information Systems. This is a beginner tutorial and should give you an idea of how Photoshop works.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Photoshop is a graphic editing/design software


• Photoshop is raster-based


• Photoshop works with 'layers' - much like a GIS


• The Photoshop file extension is .psd but it can be saved to other image formats like .jpg and .bmp


• Photoshop does not work with georeferenced images - meaning if you are working with geographic data you must manually overlay the images

If you don't have the Adobe Photoshop or have not ordered the evaluation version, you are behind and need to contact me. See this post from last month (last paragraph in the post) on ordering the student version of the software.

Beginner's Guide to Adobe Photoshop - step one probably won't work with your version - don't sweat it.

Map Design Survey

The following is a link the North American Cartographic Information Society's map design survey. Please take the time to at least do the survey - part 1. You can also do part 2 - provide an example of a well designed map (in your eyes) and part 3 - comments.

This will give you a better understanding of what people think may be important for increasing ones ability to design good maps. Participating in these kinds of surveys also helps to further our profession... and it is related to this class!

http://www.shadedrelief.com/map_design/

Thanks!

Pete

Module 6 - Map Layout - Lecture

Module 6 - Map Layout

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. List what map layout consists of
2. Describe the pieces of a map
3. Describe the important aspects of how a reader naturally focuses on a map
4. Evaluate the overall balance of a map
5. Describe how the grid enforces the stability of map layout

TERMS TO KNOW

• map layout
• map pieces
• title
• legend
• scale
• explanatory text
• directional indicator
• inset
• locator map
• visual center
• symmetrical balance
• asymmetrical balance

READING ASSIGNMENT

Chapter 6 in the text. MakingMaps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS

ACTIVE LEARNING EXERCISE

3D Models in Sketch-up: An introduction - posted last week

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What does the author mean by the statement 'there is more to a map than the map'?
2. List and describe the common 'pieces' to a map.
3. What does the map reader 'notice' when the map layout succeeds?
4. What happens when map layout fails?
5. What does map layout consist of?
6. What is an advantage to a 'visual scale' like a bar scale?
7. When should a visual scale be used?
8. What is one way to deal with data that does not lend itself to be shown at a single scale?
9. Where on the map should you position elements you wish to be seen first?
10. Where is the visual center of a map?
11. What is the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical map balance?

Module 6 - Active Learning Exercise: 3D Models in ArcGIS and SketchUp - An introduction

Introduction: The abundance of high quality 3D terrain data have prompted an abundance of 3D modeling techniques to gain insight into how we interface with the world. Modeling terrain data in ArcGIS and SketchUp can provide unique visualization and analysis of 3-dimensional information. For this exercise we will work with data from Haywood County, Haywood Community College and the USGS.

Sources of this data in North Carolina include:

LIDAR - created as part of the flood mapping program for Western North Carolina

Contours - From individual county or available state-wide from NC Dot - http://www.ncdot.org/it/gis/DataDistribution/CountyMapData/default.html

Other GIS data - infrastructure and other base data available from counties and the NC DOT.

'Building out' the campus in 3D will allow for a more interactive experience when looking at the campus as a whole. This type of information will provide many different departments on campus with a robust tool to enhance decision making on a campus wide basis.

Some of the types of questions this data will be able to answer:

1. Where is the best place for a walking trail taking in consideration distance and change in elevation (or slope) as well as views.

2. What is the best layout for the 9 hole frisbee golf course the Board of Trustees recently approved and funded?

3. Where are the dark, hidden areas of campus where car break-ins are more likely to occur.

4. What is the best place for the new Geospatial Technology Center building taking into consideration the beautiful mountain views and the impact of our neighbors view after our new building has been built. We should also use this information to assess the slope of the land and existing infrastructure such as water, sewer, and fiber optics, and parking lots.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the different sources for 3D data in North Carolina
• Create terrain data (TIN's) from vector based-contour data
• Generate shapefiles in 3D
• Assign building base heights using Zonal Statistics in Spatial Analyst
• Extrude features based on attributes
• Export to Google SketchUp

Steps / Procedure:

Project set-up and data preparation:

Download the data and create map document

1. Click here to download the .zip file containing the data for this exercise.

2. Create a folder in your working directory for this exercise - i.e. f:/pete/gis251/terrain

3. Unzip the data into your working directory. Keep everything from this exercise in your working directory.

4. Open ArcMap and add the following layers to your map document:

• Buildings
• Main Campus
• CampusContours

5. Symbolize and organize the data as you see fit.

6. Set your map document to store relative paths (File ==> Map Properties == Data Source Options)

7. Save your map document (to your working directory) and save it often!

Establish the scale of the data frame

1. Zoom in to close enough that you can just see the campus boundary. (1:4500)

2. Don't forget to save often!

Create a TIN from the contours

1. In ArcMap, turn on the 3D Analyst Extension (Tools ==> Extensions)

2. Turn on the 3D Analyst Toolbar (View ==> Toolbars ==> 3D Analyst)

3. On the 3D Analyst Toolbar (3D Analyst ==> Create/Modify TIN ==> Create TIN from features)

4. Choose 'CampusContours', height source 'Z-FEET', and Triangulate as 'Hard Lines'. Put the 'output TIN' in your working directory.

5. Preview the TIN...make sure to order the layers in the table of contents so the buildings and campus boundary are displayed on top of the new TIN. By the way, have you saved lately? I didn't think so.

TIN example

Download and install the SketchUp ArcGIS PlugIn

This plugin can be downloaded from the Google SketchUp Plugins page. You'll need to scroll towards the bottom of the page and make sure to get the SketchUp 5 ArcGIS Plugin. I am using SketchUp 6 but this version worked for me.

• SketchUp PlugIn Site - http://www.sketchup.com/?sid=37
• Check the link above to see the ArcGIS and all the other plugins. For quick access to the SketchUp 5 ArcGIS plugin click here!

1. Download the file to your working directory

2. Double click and install all components to their default directories

Load the plugin into ArcGIS

1. Open your map document.

2. Tools è Customize

3. Click the Toolbars Tab è Add From File
4. Navigate to the place on your computer where the SketchUp Plugin was installed. The default location for this (i.e. where it is normally installed) is C:Program FilesArcGISSketchUp5

5. Double click the file: FeaturesToSkp.dll

6. Click OK to the added objects

7. Under the Toolbars Tab, make certain the SketchUp 5 Tools is checked and close the dialog box

You should now have a small toolbar displayed that looks like this è

Assign base elevations to buildings layers

The buildings data for this exercise must have a 'base height' to assign an elevation at ground level for the building. This data must also have some type of information that the buildings can be extruded by. This field normally holds the height of the building although this may sometimes need to be calculated using the number of stories by the height of each story. Our data in this exercise has a height field for us to extrude the buildings by but we will need to assign a value for elevation in the attribute table for the buildings.

Convert TIN to raster

The TIN we created earlier must be converted to a raster file containing elevation before going farther

1. From the 3D Analyst Toolbar, make certain the drop down box contain layer informatin èLayer: TIN
2. Convert the TIN to raster (3D Analyst èConvert èTIN to Raster)
3. Use the following settings in the TIN to Raster dialog:

• Input TIN: TIN
• Attribute: Elevation
• Z factor: 1.000
• Cell Size: 10
• Output raster: C:ClassesGIS251_sp07Module6elevgrid (This resulting file will be a GRID. GRID file names CANNOT be longer than 8 characters)

4. Save your map document

Assign elevation to the buildings using the elevation GRID

We will use Spatial Analyst and Zonal Statistics to assign base height elevations to the attribute table of the buildings layer. Zonal Statistics will allow us to create statistics for individual zones on a raster based on the information in the raster (the elevation raster in our case). We will use the buildings layer to define the 'zones' therefore the 'zones' will be individual building polygons. For each zone (i.e. building) statistics such as maximum, minimum, mean, median and more for the elevation information in the cells within each zone (building). A table will be created of these elevation statistics and be automatically joined to the attribute table of the buildings. In the end we will use the average elevation for each building to display the buildings on a surface in SketchUp.

1. Turn on the Spatial Analyst extension: (Tools èExtensions èSpatial Analyst)

2. Display the Spatial Analyst Toolbar: (View èToolbars èSpatial Analyst)

3. From the Spatial Analyst Toolbar: (Spatial Analyst èZonal Statistics)

4. Set the zonal statistics dialog as follows:

• Zone dataset: Buildings
• Zone field: nombre
• Value raster: Elevation
• Ignore NoData: checked
• Join output table to zone layer: checked
• Chart statistic: mean
• Output table: put the table in your working directory

5. Click OK

6. Save your map document

The resulting table and graph describe the "elevation" within the the zones of "buildings". There should be a zone for each building. Don't be surprised if a couple buildings do not get elevations assigned. I was having problems with 3 buildings earlier and could not find out why. Just ignore them for the purposes of this exercise.

This elevation information was also 'joined' to the buildings attribute table (open the table for buildings to see the joined fields - the . in the field names indicate that tables are joined).

This join is only preserved in ArcMap (the 2 source tables are not combined) so we need to export the buildings with the joined elevation zonal statistics table to a new shapefile in order to have all the elevation zonal statistics permanently joined to a buildings layer.

6. Right click the buildings in the ArcMap Table of Contents: (Data èExport Data) - put the new shapefile in your working directory and name it something that makes sense. I called mine bld_elev.

7. When asked if you want the new data layer added to the map, click yes.

** Note: This step is not necessary to draw buildings in 3D with ArcScene in ArcGIS. In ArcScene, base heights can be in the attribute table however if they are not the buidings could still be displayed in 3D by assigning base heights from a surface like a TIN or DEM. In this case, the elevations are not stored in the table in a place you can see or access them. To draw the buildings in SketchUp, the base height elevations MUST be in the attribute table in a column.

Export your contours and building features to SketchUp

The new buildings shapefile with base height elevations has a TON of attributes with that addition of all the elevation zonal attributes. We will be using the 'mean' elevation as a base for our buildings. This is not perfect since the 3d terrain surface of contours we wil be displaying the buildings on is continually changing across the base of the buildings meaning that the buiding footprints have not been 'stamped' into the 3D terrain surface. The other attribute used will be 'height'. We will use the 'height' attribute to extrude the buildings.

1. Turn off all layers except the new buildings layer (with elevation) and the contours

2. Click the button on the SketchUp Toolbar.

3. Select the Feature Class tab

4. For the buildings choose:

• Elevate by field: mean
• Extrude by field: height
• Name group using: nombre

5. For the campusContours

• Elevate by field: Z_FEET

6. Filename: put the new file in your working directory

7. Explore the Tins and Rasters Tabs even though we will not use them in this exercise.

8. Click OK

Viewing the data in SketchUp

1. SketchUp should have automatically opened. If it did not, double click the file to open it.

2. Click the Zoom to Extents button and explore the data in SketchUp.

Credit to the Harvard Graduate School of Design for much of the content and ideas in this exercise.