Review my map-- how can I do better?

AprilWheeler — Tue, 28 May 2024 18:24:05 GMT

I'm doing a steelhead trout conservation project that's focusing on two main aspects: dam removal and invasive species removal. I've tried a lot of different troubleshooting to use different tools so that way I am really isolating the features I want on the map, but the Critical Habitat layer is very finicky to work with. I have been able to successfully select the dams that I want, based on the river/stream they are connected to, but that's it. The Critical Habitat layer and Invasive Species layers are as is, except I changed the symbology for the Invasive Species. Trying to select the invasive species that are located near the Critical Habitat is a no-go. I want my map to look as good and professional as possible. I chose a dark theme to help match the dark theme of my StoryMap. I will probably do two separate maps, one with the invasive species and one with the dams, but in the screenshot they're provided together. Any advice?

Here is the data I'm using:

Steelhead trout critical habitat: https://services2.arcgis.com/Uq9r85Potqm3MfRV/arcgis/rest/services/biosds122_fnu/FeatureServer

California dams: https://services2.arcgis.com/FiaPA4ga0iQKduv3/arcgis/rest/services/NID_v1/FeatureServer

Invasive species distribution: https://services2.arcgis.com/Uq9r85Potqm3MfRV/arcgis/rest/services/biosds2776_fmu/FeatureServer

Re: Review my map-- how can I do better?

PTW — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 18:13:57 GMT

I would find more data relevant to what you want to display. A river dataset would be helpful to show which rivers are affected. Census Urban Area could also help provide context about the dam's surroundings. If you make a map specific to the dam then inset maps could help [something like this: ]

I recommend turning off the reference layer and building your map's background. A simple hillshade might convey more than the busy satellite imagery.

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Review my map-- how can I do better?

Re: Review my map-- how can I do better?