Technology · GIS Cartography Lab Exercise

Geographic Information Systems -- Chapter 2 Lab: Thematic Mapping of Oregon Volcanic Hazards, Agriculture, Housing, and Physiography

Sample paper

Word Count: approximately 550 words

Map 1: Volcanic Hazards

This map displays county-level population density alongside hospital locations (blue cross symbols) and volcano locations symbolised with proportional symbols based on known eruption history (the KNOWN_ERUP field), emphasising the relationship between population exposure, emergency healthcare access, and volcanic risk across Oregon.

Map 2: Agriculture

This map visualises farm density normalised by county area, with county names labelled for reference and transportation routes (road, rail, and air, symbolised by type) overlaid to show the connectivity between agricultural areas and infrastructure.

Map 3: Housing

This map shows county-level housing vacancy rates normalised by household counts, with county names labelled and major cities symbolised proportionally by population size, providing insight into housing availability relative to urban population distribution.

Map 4: Physiography

This map uses the World Imagery service as a base layer to display Oregon's physical terrain, with state and county boundaries overlaid using hollow symbols in distinct outline colours so the underlying imagery remains visible, highlighting the state's topography and landforms.

Conclusion

Across all four maps, consistent application of classification schemes, proportional symbology, and clear layer naming and labelling produced legible, thematically distinct visualisations of Oregon's volcanic risk, agricultural distribution, housing availability, and physical geography.

References

No formal reference list was required for this lab exercise.

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