GIS6005: Analytics

 

    These week's lab had us design infographics based on real world data. The infographic not only conveys geographic and thematic information but also helps give the viewer more information about the subject through comparative analysis and other charts/graphs. 

    When designing the final layout, I followed traditional eye movements of viewers from left to right and then down. I split the infographic into two even halves, one showcasing the county data spatially on the maps to the left with sequential color schemes, and the other halve containing the source notes, charts, graphs, and other summary statistics.

    The left half of the infographic contained the mapped single parent household percentages and the children in poverty percentages. These maps were given unique legend patches to reflect the data being represented and to add to the viewers’ comprehension of the data being shown. The legend patches also helped the infographic feel less like a map and more as a learning aid.

    The right side of the map containing all the summary statistics and charts was made to flow with the viewer as they read from left to right. The charts and accompanying notes were offset and filled the blank space so the viewer could follow along as if reading a book. Arrows were added to not only guide the viewer but also were useful for filling space and aiding in the overall infographic theme.

    The colors of the map including the title card, backgrounds, and fraction-graphic were chosen in part by using color brewer to create color schemes. Once I had a scheme with a particular theme I thought went well with the map, I took the RGB values from the website and plugged them into different elements of the layout to try and create a visually balanced final product.

    Every aspect of the final layout had all the features meticulously placed using the help of guides, the align function, the distribute function and all the other tools ArcPro has to help us organize our data.