Latest Contributions by JohnMNelson

Transparency gives you the option to add a whole new visual dimension into cartography. A peer of hue and brightness, etc. You can make all sorts of cool things. Here is an example of using transparency on a DEM to look like mist. https://nation.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=80a6bf8ab21e4f538389b63580e85a48  ... View more

I google image search if I am looking for an example style or something. The Library of Congress map twitter account has lots of inspiring old maps.  ... View more

Cool, Samantha! My favorite feature of Pro is, hands-down, the mega support for transparency. Item-level transparency to clustered features appear denser, and even transparency within gradients. So many cool things to be done. So many. Play with the color scheme editor and get ready to live. ... View more

Ok, it's not impossible. It's improbable. Love, Ken. ... View more

1: It's easy to get into a rut. I have been bigtime. Try a couple variant symbology options if you have data maps. Like instead of choropleth try dot density. Or graduated symbols. I've found that to be ridiculously helpful. 2: Same as bullet 1, really. Also, find makers whose work you admire and reach out to them for feedback on your map. ... View more

It's impossible, Christian! Sincerely, Kenneth. ... View more

Thanks George! Cool idea. I did an animated version where I played through each year. Sort of that idea. But there are so many cool things you can do with visualizing time slices. ... View more

I love how cartography is a mix of lots of cool things, live analytics, art, geography. I have a short attention span so I think cartography's generous in-roads has helped me focus. ... View more

Rainbow-filled dogs breakfassssssttttt (to be read in the voice of a drooling Homer Simpson). Sometimes if I was asked to make something pretty standard, I would just go ahead and do something weird and different and see if it stuck. Sometimes it worked! Other times, they deferred to the standard, but then their expectations of standard were pulled in my direction just a little. BWA HA HA HA HAAAA! ... View more

Lots of paths into any sort of field. But starting with a GIS background, like you have, then increasing your design skills, is a great path forward. If you find blogs of cartographers you like, there are lots of helpful how-to posts usually. Don't worry too much about formal programs. ... View more

Well I do like the firefly technique. It looks sort of intriguing, the glow fades away with distance, just like real life phenomena, and it gets people excited about trying it out on their own. ... View more

1) Blogging was a huge help for me. If I have to explain something to another human, I find that I have to start thinking about my creative structure, too. Also, experiment with your maps and share, asking for advice. 2) The best you can do is to be versed in the big rules of effective visualization. If they ask you to break them and you rationally and politely address your concern, they tend to be really understanding. But not always 3) Thanks! I like the hurricane map the we had as a stretch goal in week 2. That might be my favorite map. Or a pivotal one for me, anyway. ... View more

My experience in moonlighting as a cartographer in the past was pretty disastrous. But in doing services work for an organization before esri, I would frequently have to use corporate style sheets. I learned that some companies have guidelines (wink) and others have rules (yikes!). The latitude you have depends a lot on the customer. But, if you pay for the band you name the tune. ... View more

Hi Larry. When line features are really packed with curves the nodes and curves can really stack up at some scales. Try generalizing your line. Also, play with the line symbol. You can change the bends to look rounded, which is a super trick. ... View more

Hi Kitty! 1. I was taking art classes and geography classes in college. Then I took a GIS class and was obsessed. So I majored in geography with an emphasis on the "techniques" (GIS, Remote Sensing, Cartography). I liked cartography best. 2. A map of mine landed in National Geographic the day of my mom's memorial. Dad and I walked up to the mailbox and saw it there together. It was a good moment, and helpful for us both. 3. Hmmmm. Too many! 4. Hmmmm. Too hard! ... View more