Michaela's GIS Journey

 Module 2: Coordinate Systems I chose Tennessee as my area of interest. For Tennessee, I selected the Tennessee State Plane (NAD83) coordinate system because it provides optimal accuracy across the entire state through a single zone configuration. Alternative options like UTM were rejected since Tennessee spans zones 16N and 17N, which would introduce edge distortion where the zones meet. A custom state system would be unnecessary given the state's complete coverage by a single State Plane zone that already minimizes distortion across Tennessee's geography

 Map Design & Typography Deliverable 5 Here is how I addressed each of the 5 map design principles: Visual Contrast: Used distinct, high-contrast colors (e.g., dark green golf course, blue waterways) to separate features of interest from supplemental information that was lighter but still darker than the background. Legibility: Clear symbols and appropriate text sizes were chosen to ensure readability across all map elements. Figure-Ground Organization: A lighter background was used to make features pop, creating a strong figure-ground relationship with the important features in darker colors. Hierarchical Organization: Important elements (e.g., recreation centers) were emphasized with larger, darker symbols. Balance: Proper alignment and spacing of map elements (e.g., legend, title) ensured the layout was visually balanced. Deliverable 10 The map's text elements demonstrate a thoughtful implementation of cartographic design principles to achieve legibility, visual contrast, an...