This project is to cooperate with Agrocorp International LTD to make an infographic for them. When I start this project, I have considered which software is good and suitable for this map. The primal idea of mine is using R studio to make an online dynamic map for the company. According to my experience on assignment3, I find that R studio is good to process huge data and operate, but it also requires more knowledge for programming. My knowledge to R studio is very basic and limited, and I have realized the R will be difficult for me to make such global trade map. In addition, the dynamic map maybe better to show the process of global trade by ships, but it is not clear to see the market scale on the trade. Then I consider to use ArcGIS to make this map. The ArcGIS is good at data processing and analyzing, and map display, but it is not good-looking. As a result, I email to the company and listen to their suggestions and requirements for the map. According to the company’s interest and requirement, they want to have more focus on the top market and top products of export. Also, the company wants to use this map for their marketing meeting, so they require that map should be easy to read and understand, and the key information should be highlighted. Thus, I decide to make an infographic because it is a visual design that help to explain complicated data in a simple way. I have also considered using ArcGIS for the base map, and it is good to show the world. Then I will mainly use Adobe Illustrator for the infographic’s background and visual design. To do a good infographic, the data processing is primary important. First is the gathering data. After getting the raw data, next step is mining and filtering data. After collecting data, I start to do some calculations for the sum of agri-food by countries and by types. After the data processing, then I can start for the map design. The company requires an intuitionistic visual performance, so I decide to use a world map with Winkel tripel projection.To differentiate Canada with other countries, I use a larger font size to label Canada. And now, Canada is the most striking on the map, and can attract more attention. Next, I plot the other countries’ points at the location of their capital. Then, I connect each point to Canada to make lines. These lines will give people a sense of global trade, like the ship line. After finishing the world trade map, the background color is also important for the map design. From my idea, this infographic is talking about the agricultural products and overseas ship trade. Thus, I decide to choose green-blue gradient color to set up the background.After finishing the background and the world trade map, the last thing I have to do is transform data into beautiful graphics.For the font style, I use Kohinoor Bangla for all words and numbers because of its concision and clarity.
