Choropleth

In order to visually represent the change in population across the counties of Colorado from 2010 to 2014, I chose a diverging color scheme to highlight the growth and loss in population. Because we associate green with growth, I applied a green color ramp to the classification denoting growth with the highest growth having the strongest green. Similarly I applies a red color scheme to highlight the loss of population in negative growth.

Proportional Symbology

The goal of any map is to communicate more clearly geospatial data. One of the best ways to accomplish this through symbology is through the use of proportional symbol mapping. The figure above depicts job growth both positive and negative through the size of the points representing each state. While the size of the points communicates magnitude well, the negative values must be represented through color, since there cannot be negative symbology. As indicated by the legend, the orange points represent job loss, which in this map is a negative value, and the blue represents job growth. This follows the natural pattern of cool colors representing good emotions and warm colors representing severity. All of this combines to make this map more easily understood.

Color

Color Ramp #1 Linear Progression

Color Ramp #2 Adjusted Progression

Color Ramp #3 ColorBrew

While the three different color palettes all begin and end similarly, the steps between the categories varies with each method to create unique values. In the linear progression equally progresses through the steps and shows the six steps. In the adjusted progression, the first step from the darkest color is about 1/3 higher than the average step to distinguish the darker colors, but the lowest step is 1/3 lower than the average because the light colors are more easily distinguished.  In the ColorBrewer application, the sequential palette that most closely relates to the other palettes is the multi-hue from dark green to a pale blue. While this palette contains slightly more blue through the progression, the added hue easily distinguishes the categories. The interval is not set at a constant rate or based on math equation, but visible differences and approaching a bluer tint. This closely resembles the second scale, but is more clear with the final value almost white and the previous colors clearly distinguished from the step above.

Typography

In order to effectively describe the greater San Francisco area, multiple font sizes and styles were required to distinguish features on a flat map. The most prominent label is San Francisco in order to connect that regardless of the other features; they all are part of the city. Other notable labels include the golden gate bridge which connect directly to the landmark and the water bodies.