Sunday, January 25, 2009

Eric Esser Map of Work Places


My choices for locations which I would like to work are based on the idea that I would like to travel and experience new locations. I have never been to the west coast for an extended stay and would like to visit Oregon and Washington. I have also lived on the east coast my whole life and currently reside in Florida therefore I could see myself staying on the east coast.

Map Critique

This is a bad map because it does not follow any of the designer rules. First off the compass is completely wrong because it has two east arrows and no south arrow. Second, the map breaks commandment number 2 of the six commandments. This commandment states not to lie with maps, which obviously this map does. It does so by massing together information that would never be linked together ever. Stating that spain, cuba and the new world are all connected is a lie and will make the map reader confused and vulnerable to misinterpretation. Also the map affects the Tufteisms that are set forth as rules. The tufteisms which it affects are 5, 6, 9, 10, 12 and 13.
This map is good because it repersents a perfect example of the five principles of map design. It shows concept before compilation, hierarchy with harmony, simplicity from sacrifice, maximum information at minimum cost and also it engages the emotion to engage the understanding. On top of this it follows the six commandments most notably to me is commandment 3, 5 and 6. Commandment 3 states that you should effectively label the map which is clear in this portrayal. Commandment 5 notes that map layout matters and it is apparent that the designer of this map made a note to keep the layout of the map clear and precise for users. Commandment 6 states that you need to evaluate your map which also is apparent that the designer did so. The Tufteisms clearly regard this map as a good map based on the information given and how clearly it is given. This map effectively adresses Tufteisms 7, 8, 17 and 19 for me and touches on all of the other 20 Tufteisms for good map making.