1. Introduction to ArcMap and Basic Geoprocessing Skills
Journalism JOUR 4101
Introduction to ArcMap and
Basic Geoprocessing Skills
Rebecca Bartlett – GIS and Digital Resources Librarian
Joel Rivard – Cartographic Specialist

2. Agenda Downloading and displaying datasets Querying and extracting
Spatial join
Finding and joining Census or National Household Survey data
Exploring cartographic principles and generate a map layout

3. Downloading Census Geography
Free!
Boundary files for all census geographies in shapefile (GIS) format
Federal Electoral Districts (FEDs) are the geographic areas for which one Member of Parliament is elected

4. Display data in non-geospatial format
E.g.: spreadsheet
Need some/any sort of geographic element
Address
Latitude/longitude coordinates
Country, city, etc.
Lat-long is easiest but can find lat-long with addresses (called geocoding)

5. Querying Data in ArcMap
Querying allows you to extract subsets from large datasets
ArcMap uses SQL queries in a relatively easy-to-use interface

6. Spatial Joins in ArcMap
Spatial joins allow users to find out how many points fall within a polygon, etc.
Can also find average, sum, min/max, etc.

7. Finding and downloading Census data
The Canadian Census used to have a long form and short form, both obligatory
Now (2011), only the short form (population, language, household) is mandatory
Voluntary longer form is the National Household Survey (NHS)
Keep this in mind: NHS is less accurate despite having the more interesting data

8. We will be using NHS data
We’ll look at INCOME
Can find data on but it’s not in a commonly used file format
We will use Canadian Census Analyser which you have access to as Carleton students

9. Map Projections
Map projections are mathematical algorithms that allows representation of the 3D earth on a 2D surface
There is ALWAYS distortion of any combination of area, direction, distance or shape
See what different map projections look like! It’s animated!

10. Explore Cartographic Principles
What is a Map?
A map shows information spatially, typically emphasizing a theme. They are a graphic representation of the real world. Mapmakers select and symbolize what they want to show on the map.
Elements to consider when making a map:
Decide on the subject of theme of the map
What is the intent of the map?
Who is the audience?
What is the format?
How will it be produced?
How will it be viewed?
Special thanks to Monica Ferguson, Cartographic Specialist for the content on these slides

11. Explore Cartographic Principles
SUBJECT AREA OR VISUAL HIERARCHY
The most important element on the page is placed at the visual centre and takes up the most space within the frame.
TITLE
If not part of a book, report, thesis, dissertation maps should have a title
Otherwise there should be a caption below the illustration
The title should consider wording, placement and type style
The wording introduces the map subject
The placement is part of the map layout and can be located anywhere as long as it stands out
LEGEND
This is how information on the map is clarified
Symbols on the map should look exactly the same in the legend
Placement of the legend is decided by balance and white space
Special thanks to Monica Ferguson, Cartographic Specialist for the content on these slides

12. Explore Cartographic Principles
SCALE
Is extremely helpful when reading or interpreting a map
Each map should have a scale statement whether it’s a bar or linear scale, verbal statement or a representative fraction
The scale can be included in the legend or it may be separate
ORIENTATION
This refers to the direction shown on the map. What is north and south?
If there is no graticule or north arrow, assume north is at the top.
If not, there should be some indication of orientation.
North arrows are a quick and easy way to show orientation especially for large scale maps ie. city or neighbourhood scale.
North arrows, like scale statements are only aids on a map and shouldn’t dominate.
INSET MAPS
are used in conjunction with the main map and should clarify, gain scale or enlarge a small section of the map or to provide a setting or context for the main map.
If an inset map has a different scale from the main map, both maps should include a scale statement.
The inset map should not cluttered the main map or make a choppy design.
Special thanks to Monica Ferguson, Cartographic Specialist for the content on these slides

13. Explore Cartographic Principles
GENERALIZATION:
Some information must be removed at certain scales to ensure clarity
A complex feature like a coastline should be reduced to it’s basic shape to be recognizable
SYMBOLIZATION:
Symbols are the graphic language used to convey meaning on a map and the selection of symbols is a big part of a successful map
Symbols show the location, sometimes the value and phenomena
They should be appropriate and relate to the map users
One can use points, lines and polygons
Special thanks to Monica Ferguson, Cartographic Specialist for the content on these slides

14. Unsuccessful Maps Why a Bad Map?
Legend and Symbology are poorly designed.
The number units are not identified.
The size of graduated circles is too large
The city name labels are too small and the label weight is off (think bold vs regular)
Scalebar missing
Source:
Special thanks to Monica Ferguson, Cartographic Specialist for the content on these slides

15. Unsuccessful Maps Why a Bad Map?
No title or legend to describe what the map is depicting.
Too much information. It makes it difficult for the reader to see the map
clearly, as many symbols overlap.
Scale bar is missing and scale of map is off
The map does not contain the name of the
creator, source, or date.
Finally, the aesthetics of the map are not appealing
and do not have a color harmony that appeals to the viewer's eye. 
Source:
Special thanks to Monica Ferguson, Cartographic Specialist for the content on these slides

16. Successful Maps Why a Good Map?
It contains a title, legend, scale bar, north arrow, neat/accurate lines, a date, and the map sources.
The title is the largest font size and it’s clearly visible
The legend allows the viewer to understand what the points on the map represent.
The scale bar provides a sense of distance for the viewer and is usually placed at the bottom of the map.
The North arrow, in the same way, provides a sense of direction for the viewer.
Neat, accurate lines depict relevant areas on the map that are highlighted for the viewer.
The date and the map sources are important for citing references and letting the viewer know when the map was created in case it is time sensitive.
Finally, the aesthetics of the map are pleasing, and everything is neatly arranged on the page. The colors complement each other but are not too overwhelming.
Source:
Special thanks to Monica Ferguson, Cartographic Specialist for the content on these slides

17. Successful Maps Why a good map?
It contains a title, legend, scale bar, a date, and the map sources.
It is accurate and well labeled without being cluttered.  
The symbols used to label the hazards are descriptive yet simple, allowing for easy identification of the hazard points without cluttering up the map.  
The color scheme provides distinction among the points without jarring the eye.  
The title is simple but descriptive and serves to engage the viewer by
creating a feeling of concern about the subject matter.  
Overall this map is both nice to look at and a useful source of information. 
Source:
Special thanks to Monica Ferguson, Cartographic Specialist for the content on these slides

18. Explore Cartographic Elements
RECAP:
Maps are graphic representations and are selective, symbolic and generalized.
Mapmakers must simplify to select elements of reality that are necessary to serve a purpose.
To show everything would clutter the map with information not relevant to theme of map.
Symbols substitute for images of objects.
Selecting what is shown on a map involves bias.
CAN I BREAK THE RULES IF I WANT?
YES, of course!
But remember that conventions are based on old practices.
Water bodies are usually blue and if you change this it may invite confusion.
If however you’re trying to convey polluted waters, showing a brown area may help communicate your map’s theme.
Special thanks to Monica Ferguson, Cartographic Specialist for the content on these slides

19. Further Resources Open Data repositories
Statistics Canada Boundary files & data
Our mindbogglingly amazing GIS page

20. Thank you! Please don’t ever hesitate to contact us about GIS
@GIS_Carleton on Twitter
Lower floor of Library: MADGIC
GIS Day on November 19th at the Library