Project Overview:

This project focused on creating three distinct maps in ArcGIS Pro, each with a customized basemap and projection tailored to different scales and geographic extents. The objective was to understand the significance of projections, basemaps, and scale selection in cartography while honing skills in map design and layout.

Geoprocessing and Visualization:

• Small Scale Map:

  • • Downloaded and displayed small-scale data, including land, ocean, graticule, and bounding box shapefiles from Natural Earth Data.

    • Utilized a customized world projection centered on North America.

    • Applied neutral or light colors for land and ocean areas, adjusted graticule line widths.

• Medium Scale Map:

  • • Acquired and arranged medium-scale data, incorporating country boundaries and ocean background.

    • Employed a customized conic projection centered on the contiguous US, with adjusted standard parallels and central meridian.

    • Established the United States as the focal point of the map through figure-ground design.

• Large Scale Map:

  • • Obtained large-scale data, focusing on New Mexico as the chosen state within the contiguous US and using a raster hillshade.

    • Selected an appropriate projection for New Mexico and ensured transparency for the hillshade.

    • Established New Mexico as the primary focus, maintaining consistency in style with other maps.

Skills Demonstrated:

• Data Evaluation

• Projection Selection

• Basemap Customization

• Scale Selection

• Figure-Ground Design

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this project has provided valuable insights into the complexities of projections and basemaps in cartography. Through the creation of three distinct maps, each tailored to different scales and geographic extents, I have gained a deeper understanding of how these elements influence map design and communication of spatial information. The skills developed in this exercise will be invaluable in future cartographic endeavors, enhancing my ability to create visually compelling and informative maps.