Post date: Jan 19, 2016 5:47:44 PM

Now that you have witnessed the rich variety of strategies used by cartographers, the time has come to see how well you can apply this knowledge. As I believe that students learn best by doing, you get a chance to make your own map:

Step IV: Assessing Your Learning

1. Please create a map of your world that incorporates at least three types of geography besides the physical variety. Start by making a list of the most important features in your life and then think about how to represent them on a map. Execute that plan making a map using whatever media you believe will best convey your priorities.

Your map will be evaluated on the basis of its usefulness, geographical insight, accuracy, craft and reflection. As with everything in life, the more you put into it the more you get out of it. Please bring it with you to class tomorrow.

2. In addition to your map, please include a written companion (no more than a single-spaced page) that addresses the following issues:

a. Usefulness: What is the purpose of your map? What should a viewer get from it? Explain how your map would allow them to achieve your stated purpose?

b. Geographical depth & insight: What kinds of geography are you using to achieve this purpose? Explain your choices.

c. Accuracy: Describe how you gathered your facts and information. Explain how you applied this data in creating your map.

d. Craft: What techniques and media did you use to create your map? Explain your choices.

e. Reflection: What did you learn about yourself and your relationship with your world from making this map?

Hint: You should probably write a, b & c BEFORE making the map so you are clear about what you are trying to achieve before you start making something.