Google MyMaps Story Map of Places of Interest at UBC
Markers
To begin this map, I started with adding markers to places that meant something to me on the UBC campus. I then clicked on each marker, edited the symbol to something that defined the area of interest, and used a different colour for each symbol to create a qualitative hierarchy. I also uploaded my own personal photos that matched my descriptions. If I did not have a photo, I used a Google Image that was free to use and share.
Polygon
To create an area of interest, I made a polygon using the ‘draw a line’ tool. I coloured this feature to match it’s land-use and added my own photo of a tree in the area.
Directions
I wanted to include bus directions from where I live to UBC. Google MyMaps does not offer a transit directions option, so I used the driving directions option and manually changed the route so it corresponded to the B-Line (99) route.
CARTO Assignment: Interactive Maps VS Static Maps
Interactive maps versus static maps; it really comes down to the scope of a project. By comparing and contrasting software used for a static map – ArcMap and Adobe Illustrator – with software used to create an interactive map – CARTO – it becomes clear that there are tradeoffs between both. Discussion will revolve around the results created by these two processes, specifically how a user could potentially decode either map.
First off, ArcMap and Adobe Illustrator are not free while all you need is an email address to use CARTO. I believe the end product reflects this. A static map created using ArcMap and Adobe Illustrator not only allows you to utilize powerful analytical tools and handle much larger datasets, but they also give you much more design control. In fact, all of the design control. Unless you are versed in computer code, CARTO only allows so many design considerations regarding the placement of traditional map elements, such as the legend and the design of supplemental graphics (widgets). This creates limited control over the visual hierarchy.
However, while the creator loses some control, the user gains more control. One of the most powerful attributes of CARTO is the ability for a user to decide what they want to see. The user can dig deeper into a dataset with an interactive map. The most important data can be displayed, and through the use of pop-ups or widgets, a user can further look into their attribute of interest. This allows the creator of the map to include more information which could otherwise clutter a static map. An interactive map can also be more temporally accurate. It is much easier and more logical to feed updated data into an interactive map than a static map.
More user control also means a user might not engage with the map if it is too complicated. A non-computer programmer map creator using CARTO is bound by the interface, with no ability to resize widgets and limited placement options. The size and placement of widgets can eclipse the map itself, potentially overwhelming a map user. However, the same can be true for a static map. A poorly designed static map can also overwhelm a map user but the notable difference is a creator has control and can mitigate design decisions.
Free online software programs such as CARTO are also prone to bugs. An interactive map could become defective lowering map user satisfaction. It could also be dependent on the browser the map is being viewed on. For example, one browser will visualize the legend categories while another it will not even be there. A static map is more reliable.
All in all, it really depends on the scope of the project. An interactive map made using CARTO is free, it is useful to target a specialized audience, and this target audience can get up to date, searchable information. A keen target user also has the ability to differentiate between attributes and discern their own patterns. A static map is also useful for a specific audience, but this target user is expecting the creator to visualize the crux of the information. A static map created using ArcMap and Adobe Illustrator requires money for the software, but the creator has much more control over the end product, resulting in a more specialized map.
Click here for CARTO map.