Lesson 8 Lab

Lesson 8 Lab

Multiscale Map Design in the ArcGIS Vector Tile Style Editor (VTSE)

In Lesson 6 and 7, we explored Tableau and the interactive maps that were possible. In Lesson 8 we will continue with the interactive map environment. You learned that the recent proliferation of such interactive maps has brought the challenges of map generalization back into focus. To create an effective interactive map, cartographers must consider not only how a map looks at one scale and extent (i.e., as in a typical static map) but at all locations and every scale.

As suggested above, creating an interactive web basemap can be a challenging task. Fortunately, tools exist to make this process easier and more efficient. In Lab 8, rather than using ArcGIS Pro or Tableau, we will be working in the ArcGIS Online ecosystem(link is external). ArcGIS Online (AGOL) is Esri’s online mapping platform. It’s not exactly like ArcGIS Pro, but it does offer some of the same functionality—organizing and styling geospatial data, basic analysis—while providing the benefit of cloud-based data synchronization and the ability to more easily publish interactive maps online. AGOL also integrates with ArcGIS StoryMaps, which we’ll get to work with in Lesson 9, as well as data dashboards, which you may have used yourself at some point.

When one creates a thematic map, one often starts by creating or choosing the basemap. AGOL offers a handful of basemap style options, but they might not always be appropriate for the project you’re working on. For example, your client might want you to integrate their corporate style guidelines into the basemap design, or you might want to limit the amount of reference data being displayed in the basemap to reduce visual complexity. Fortunately, Esri has a tool for creating your own basemap style, called the Vector Tile Style Editor (VTSE), which we will be using for this lab.

Before getting into the details of working in AGOL, please be aware that the workflow you need to use is very different compared to ArcGIS Pro, even though they’re made by the same organization. AGOL is meant to be more accessible to a wider non-GIS specialist audience than ArcGIS Pro, at least in the sense that there are fewer buttons and tools to keep track of. You will probably expect some of a learning curve with this lab.

Lab Objectives

• Design an interactive basemap from the ground up using the ArcGIS Vector Tile Style Editor(link is external).
• Build a creative basemap design inspired by a favorite piece of media and/or art.
• Use your knowledge of map generalization to build a basemap that functions well at multiple scales.
• Reflect on the experience and challenges involved in designing an interactive web map.

Overall Lab Requirements

• Submit one PDF document: this should include a link to your basemap design as well as a short reflection statement.
• Example of media inspired basemaps:
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    Figure 8.8.1: Nobuhiro Watsuki’s penultimate action-adventure story: Rurouni Kenshin.

    Credit: Map style by Patrick O’Shea.
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    Figure 8.8.2: J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth themed map of Northwest Oregon.

    Source: Map style by Duncan Freeland.

Specific Requirements

Basemap

• Use at least 12 different layers (total) in your map. Each layer should be individually styled: do not use default settings.
• At least one layer should make use of a pattern fill.
• At least one point layer or label layer should include an icon, either the icon provided, or another one that you made yourself or is in the public domain.
• Data should transition appropriately across scales. Your map will be checked at large (local), medium (regional), and small (world) scales – you will need to set zoom-level controls for some of your layers so that they either appear/disappear or change their styling as the user zooms in and out.
• Draw inspiration from a favorite piece of media/art, such as a famous painting or a favorite TV series. Almost any media will work as an inspiration. However, do not use an existing basemap design from an organization such as Esri or National Geographic. Be creative and have fun with this lesson!

Reflection requirements (250+ words)

• Include the name of the basemap design.
• Include a screen capture of the basemap design that you created in the Vector Tile Style Editor environment.
• Explain the inspiration source (e.g., media, movie, TV show, art, etc.) behind your basemap design.
• Include at least one (1) image or illustration example that served as inspiration for your basemap design.
• Explain the key challenges you faced when working inside the VTSE environment designing your basemap, and how you overcame them.

Lab Instructions

1. You should have direct access to AGOL through Penn State.

   • Visit this site(link is external)

   • Under the ARCGIS ONLINE (AGOL): Open to all persons with PSU Access Accounts) heading, click on the Visit the Penn State ArcGIC Online Organization link.

   • On the page that appears, click on the Penn State WebAccess link.

   • You should automatically be directed to the ArcGIS Online environment.

   • All map design will take place within the Vector Tile Style Editor web interface which is an application found within the AGOL environment.

2. Download the Lab 8 zipped file (Lab8_Files.zip(link is external)) (approx. 12K MB). This zipped file contains an example json file and images that will be used to demonstrate certain design processes in this lab. Using these examples, you can create new images that would apply to your design work. This zipped file contains the following files:

   • blank_style.json

   • tree_icon.png

   • treen_icon2.png

   • tree_icon3.png

Grading Criteria

A rubric is posted for your review.

Ready to Begin?

Further instructions are available in Lesson 8 Lab Visual Guide.