SMERG

I was assigned to compile a map based off of fictitious data (SMERG). I was given the freedom to be creative; the objective was to create the contours based off given values in various locations.

Bee Farms in Maryland

This map was made to show the use of proportional symbols. One thing which I decided to do on this map was keep the state of Maryland "tilted" so that up was true north. Many maps of Maryland, as well as other regions, will tilt the location so that the predominate lines are parallel/perpendicular to the borders to make it more visually appealing.

Chloropleth map of Native American Veterans

This map was assigned to me in order to become familiar with the chloropleth scheme. The most challenging part was really the colors selected. I may consider changing the background color and tidy up the title so that it is more readable.

Gray Scale maps, Equal Intervals and Natural Breaks (Native American Veterans)

In comparing the two maps of same data, one depicted with natural breaks and the other with equal intervals, there is only a slight difference in state’s classification. On both maps, the notable outlier is Virginia with a 19% value for the veterans of Native American or Native Alaskan heritage. When observing equal interval versus natural breaks, the states North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Idaho, Alabama, New Mexico, Missouri, and Arkansas all dropped one class from where they were on the natural breaks schemed map. The differences do not influence a different effect for the map data, nor does it create any sort of geographic trend.

**Note that the scale was not entered for the state of Alaska, as it is 50% the size when compared to the rest of the country.**

Counties of DMV

A simple map showing the county borders of the DMV. I am a fan of white or transparent lines when possible. I also think that my method of labeling the states was clever. It is always interesting to see how cartographers label Washington, D.C. and I have never seen it done this way.