Here is my own campus map, and here is the information about the map just in case it is needed.
Here is my spreadsheet.
The five locations I identified are represented by dots on my map. They are all places I frequently visit this term. I usually go to CMC and Leighton Hall for classes. LDC is where I have lunch and dinner. Evans is my dorm, and Musser Hall is where I often meet with friends.
Decisions in mapping process
The first decision I had to make was choosing the base map. After considering different options, I selected the Navigation style at last because Carleton has many buildings close to each other, making it easy for unfamiliar visitors to get lost. This base map provides clear labels and road networks, which solves the problem by improving readability.
Another key decision involved adjusting symbology. To communicate the frequency of my visits, I used transparency variations: locations I visit often are marked with darker dots, while less-frequented locations are more transparent. This matches people’s intuitive understanding, and this simple adjustment effectively conveys additional information without adding clutter.
I also created polygon feature layers to outline buildings rather than just marking points. This makes the locations stand out and provides a clearer spatial representation of my weekly routine. I also adjusted the fill color and the outline color just to make sure readers won’t confuse the outline with the road lines in the map.
The Potential of Web Mapping for DH work
After the class on Thursday and completing the lab, I recognize the huge potential value embedded in Web mapping for DH work. It allows us to visualize and analyze spatial relationships in ways that traditional text or tables cannot. For example, historical research can benefit from mapping trade routes, migration patterns, or event locations, providing a visual narrative that enhances understanding.
Capabilities of ArcGIS Online
ArcGIS Online offers a user-friendly experience while allowing for customization and advanced spatial analysis. Uploading my CSV file, modifying symbology, and adding feature layers were all straightforward. Last, the instant web app feature makes it easy to share maps interactively, which is useful for collaborative projects. I can see myself applying these tools for future projects, especially for data-driven research and visualization.
2 thoughts on “Lab 6, Creating My Own Campus Map”
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When it comes to the potential applied to the DH field, I think that the applications that you provided were things I didn’t mention in my own post, but they could also be super useful for web mapping in the DH space. In my map, I also used the transparency function in order to add a layer of interactiveness to my map.
Hi Peter, I like your decision choice when designing your map. Upon initial glance, it is easy to see which buildings you are focused on. I agree with you that web mapping is useful as it provides us with more abilities for storytelling compared to regular text and tables. I look forward to seeing how web mapping is used in historical research.