Isarithmic Mapping - Computer Cartography

 Hello cartographers!

This week's lab was pretty straightforward, but I managed to gain a lot of information from it. We were tasked with creating a precipitation map depicted with hypsometric tints, hillshade effect, and contours. We needed to achieve some learning outcomes to reach this map objective. To begin, we needed to understand the PRISM Interpolation method. PRISM stands for Parameter-elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model and it is a model that uses point data and DEM data or a 30-year climatological average to generate gridded estimates of monthly and annual precipitation and temperature. The data that was interpolated from PRISM is continuous raster data which required us to implement a continuous tone symbology using a precipitation color scheme. When formatting the map layouts, we needed to understand how to utilize legend properties to make map-appropriate legends. The next learning outcome section involved us needing to enable spatial analyst licenses. Doing this allowed us to be able to implement hypsometric symbology which is when you are symbolizing with different shades between contours. To be able to see these different shades, we needed to employ hillshade relief and utilize the Int Tool to convert floating raster values to integers. Next, we needed to know how to manually classify our data in the symbology pane to display in certain contour intervals. We needed to use the Contour List Tool to show these contour intervals, which allowed us to automatically create contours per the intervals we set.

Here is how my map turned out:

This lab was an amazing refresher for me and has introduced new data modeling methods that I can utilize in my career. As we are nearing the end of this course for the semester, my amazement at GIS continues to grow.

Thanks for reading this week!