GEOG 483: Lesson 5/6: Creating a Layout for a Final Map Presentation

Project 5/6: Creating a Layout for a Final Map Presentation

Jim Kompanek

Introduction:

The purpose of this two part lesson was to experiment with the use of layouts to produce a finished map presentation. The data for the following maps was provided by King (2006a and 2006b) and involve zoning for White Deer Township in central Pennsylvania.

Parts I & II:

The following figures (Figures 1 and 2) were created using ESRI ArcMap 9.1. They both portray the same information but Figure 1 was created using a personally designed template and Figure 2 with a general template provided with ArcMap. Although they both are very similar in design and provide the same level of detail, the "sleeker" design of the ESRI template provides for a more professional display. This shows how important of a role the presentation of data plays.

Figure 1. Zoning map for White Deer Township, Pennsylvania. NAD 1983 State Plane PA North FIPS 3701. Lambert Conformal Conic Projection.

Figure 2. Zoning map for White Deer Township, Pennsylvania. NAD 1983 State Plane PA North FIPS 3701. Lambert Conformal Conic Projection.

Try This! and Conclusion:

The following figures (Figures 3 and 4) indicate the various types of development zones in White Deer Township, Pennsylvania with an additional data frame(s) showing the township's location within Pennsylvania. This was created using data provided by King (2006b). Figure 3 was adapted from a template provided with ArcMap, while Figure 4 was created from my personally created template. Before creating the additional data frame, the coordinate system had to be defined. Through trial-and-error with Data Frame Properties, it was determined that the county and municipalities layers were originally projected in North American Albers Equal Area Conic projection. After this was determined, the projection was defined using ArcToolbox. Once this was accomplished, the projection was set to State Plane PA North NAD 1983.

Figure 3. Zoning map for White Deer Township, Pennsylvania. NAD 1983 State Plane PA North FIPS 3701. Lambert Conformal Conic Projection.

Figure 4. Zoning map for White Deer Township, Pennsylvania. NAD 1983 State Plane PA North FIPS 3701. Lambert Conformal Conic Projection.

References Cited:

King, Beth

2006a Layouts - Week 1, Lesson 5. The Pennsylvania State University World Campus Certificate Program in GIS. Accessed 7 May 2006.

2006b Layouts - Week 2, Lesson 6. The Pennsylvania State University World Campus Certificate Program in GIS. Accessed 14 May 2006.

This document is published in fulfillment of an assignment by a student enrolled in an educational offering of The Pennsylvania State University. The student, named above, retains all rights to the document and responsibility for its accuracy and originality.