Final Projects are due today. Please upload a copy of your .fla file and .swf movie to Dropbox (with your name associated in some way).
Looking forward to seeing the projects!
]]>A Century of Cicadas (by the NYTimes): http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/science/a-century-of-cicadas.html?_r=0
US/Mexico border (1/2 way down article): http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ff-secure-border-20130310-dto,0,7065262.htmlstory#graphic-container
DC Metro map: 2 different symbology approaches: http://apps.washingtonpost.com/g/page/local/metro-maps-the-silver-line/134/?hpid=z9
Council on Foreign Relations map of Vaccine-preventable diseases: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ff-secure-border-20130310-dto,0,7065262.htmlstory#graphic-container
And a static map:
World Map of Currency: http://i.imgur.com/oNSHDMT.jpg
]]>April 30th Posterous is going off-line. You MUST find a temporary space for your final project. Options are Blogger, WordPress, Tumblr. I don't care what you choose -- I just need the address of your new blog.
Do you need to transfer over your current blog content. Ideally! There are several posts online for how to migrate your content to the blogging site you prefer.
Check out Jeff's site for instructions on posting your Flash files on Blogger.
When you ave your new site set up, let me know and I will update you on the new class blog: http://ggs411.posthaven.com/
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Whom do you hang with maps: http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2013/04/16/177512687/a-whom-do-you-hang-wit...
Carbon Map: http://www.carbonmap.org/#intro
UK Election map: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/interactive/2010/apr/05/general-election-m...
Value by Alpha map (static): http://www.cartogrammar.com/blog/value-by-alpha-maps/
Dorling Cartograms: http://mbostock.github.io/protovis/ex/cartogram.html
Another: http://www.datadrivenconsulting.com/js/protovis/cartogramemp.html
]]>Nice use of imagery for the background for location data: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/national/boston-marathon-explosi...
]]>A colllection of animations and interactive pieces for earthquakes, tsunamis and the like, focused on Japan.
Earthquake and tsunami:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/world/japan-earthquake.html?hpid=z2
http://nctr.pmel.noaa.gov/honshu20110311/
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=49773
plus this supremely simple but amazingly effective page:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/13/world/asia/satellite-photos-jap...
Collections of tsunami visualizations: http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/ocean/visualizations/tsunami.html
Side-topic: Nuclear reactors
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/world/japan-nuclear-reactors-and...
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/17/science/17plume.html?_r=1&hp
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More info about the event: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_ocean_earthquake
Great NOVA page with animated maps and graphics about the eahquake and tsumani: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tsunami/
]]>Starting next Tues April 23, we will begin the Final Project Critiques. Don't be intimidated by the name -- the Critiques are simply a time to get feedback on final projects. Each student will show their *in-progress* map to the class and use the time to get useful comments and suggestions. I'd like you to have a minimum of 3 questions ready that you can propose to the class regarding your map. Questions can range from content (is this enough? too much?), to design (colors work? are the buttons easy to find/use?), to visualization style (should this be animated temporally? do I need layers? would it help to add ___?), to....really, any question can work. It all depends on what you are crafting and what you've been pondering/tinkering. Do invest some time to your class query -- you may get some fresh perspectives and ideas.
Although you will sign up and present one day, you need to attend ALL days so you can contribute to the discussions. The Critique is worth 100 points (20 for your time at the lecturn, and 20*4 for the comments and suggestions you offer to the presentee). You have to show up (and talk!) to get points.
Critique days are below. 15 Students divided over 4 days so approx 15 min each. Students who attended class on Thurs 4-11 picked first. If you are not on the list below you Must contact me (4/30 and 5/2 are now full).
Tues 4-23: Bridget
Thurs 4-25: Erin, Gelisa, Matt McCarthy, Scott
Tues 4-30: Jeff, Pete, Matt Myaires, Jazzy, Kristin
Thurs 5-2: Will, Eric, Zach, Elena, Jared
]]>History of nuclear explosions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLCF7vPanrY
And a Cartogram example we saw before... http://show.mappingworlds.com/world/
]]>This week's lab is starting off a bit different. Instead of a printed write-up, I'm posting all the information here on the class blog. The online resources for this lab are really well done and I feel this is the easiest way to connect you to them.
The goal of this week's lab is to play around with 3D modelling. Specifically, we will be using Google's Building Maker and Trimble's SketchUp programs to design 2 separate structures, the later placed in Google Earth in the correct geographic location. Both programs are crafted to integrate smoothly with Google Earth -- in fact, Google is really encouraging people to design structures that can be submitted, reviewed, and potentially accepted into their 3D Building layer in Google Earth.
Part 1: SketchUp
Trimble's SketchUp ( http://www.sketchup.com/ ) is a full modeling program that enables you to create and manipulate 3D structures. For this lab we will be using the free version of SketchUp 8.
SketchUp has video tutorials that guide you through the main elements of the program. I recommend you watch the first video to see the possibilities of the program: http://www.sketchup.com/intl/en/training/videos.html and click on "New to SketchUp"
Translating a mental image into a 3D digital object can take some practice. To get you familiar with the main tools in SketchUp and how to manipulate the space, you will create a Geogamathing: a new invention that changes the way you interact with your world. Design your Geogamathing in SketchUp and add colors/textures. When you are happy with it, “Export” it as a “2D Graphic” and post it on your blog. Add a description that explains what your Geogamathing does and how to use it.
Part 2: Google Building Maker and SketchUp
Now that you have crafted something in SketchUp, we are going to create a 3D model of a real world structure. We will start with Google’s Building Maker, save our basic structure in the Google 3D Warehouse, then import it into SketchUp to add specific details. Finally, we will place it in Google Earth. This video shows you the steps: http://sketchup.google.com/intl/en/training/videos/gsuge.html
Google's Building Maker program helps you give dimension to imagery already in Google Earth. Building Maker is not a full 3D modeling program but rather a tool in Google Earth that gives you the ability to define the size and shape of a building based on different imagery angles. Google's hope is that the online community (you!) will help build up its database of 3D structures if given the tools to do so. http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/buildingmaker -- it may take a moment to load so be patient.
I'd recommend scanning through their newbie page before you start to get a sense of how it works. https://support.google.com/sketchup/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=153766&... You may select *any* building…but do select one that is more than a basic rectangle.
After you have the basic structure oriented and aligned in Building Maker, upload it to the 3D Warehouse (when saving, make sure you click on “Additional options” and deselect “This building is complete and ready for review”). Then, from the 3D Warehouse, download the model as a SketchUp 8 file.
Once you are satisfied with your building, go ahead and upload the finished version to the 3D Warehouse. In the uploading window, select it as “Google Earth Ready” and give your model any additional descriptions.
To get credit for this part of the lab, you need to open your building in Google Earth and take a picture of it in all its glory. Post the pic on your blog along with a description of what it is and where it is located. Easy! (and hopefully fun too!)
This lab is due Tuesday, April 16th at 10:30am.
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Distance to Mars: http://www.distancetomars.com/
What do you think?
]]>We will wrap them up today. :)
If you have any issue with Lab 8, ask! It is due next Tuesday, April 9th.
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For Part A: Panning and Zooming
*All* button-like elements need to be MOVIE CLIPS. They act like buttons, I refer to them in the writeup as buttons, but they need to be movie clips for the scripts to work.
In class on Thursday I'll show how to make your own (or how to use the components in the demo on Blackboard). I have also updated the Lab 8 writeup and it can be seen on Blackboard.
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These span a wide range of topics and years. They are in no particular order and range from decent to good (I'll spare you the poor ones):
Mobile Phone Networks (uses Google Earth)
Territorial Expansion in Africa
2007: Traffic calming devices (the one project that has used video).
2008: Yom Kippur War
Earthquake Monitor (an ambitious project that used Actionscript 3.0 to grab and map real-time USGS earthquake data over a Google Map API)
2010:
Lewis and Clark
Iraq Invasion
Around the World in 80 Days
St. Thomas
Japan trip
Most Polluted Places
Stink Bug
Terrorism
History of Japan
Star Wars
World Cup
West Nile
Carthage
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This semester we will be doing a proposal posted to your blog and a quick presentation to the class of your topic and concept. The goal is to gather lots of resources and feedback right from the start. The proposal is due on Tues April 2 at the start of class and presentations will be both Tues 4-2 and Thurs 4-4. You need to have the information below filled out on your blog and have an inspirational site or two to show the class.
Here is what I'm looking for with the proposal: In approx. 500 words, propose an idea for your Final Project. Explain the topic, the reason you've selected it, the audience of the map(s), the type of visualization you envision (be specific and reference labs we've done if relevant), the data source (and if it has been acquired), the production steps (data processing, software, etc.), and a schedule. Also discuss any issues/obstacles you foresee.
For the presentation: No powerpoint needed. Show us your blog and paraphrase your proposal. If you are inspired by an online map, show us! Explain how yours will be different/better/more detailed, etc. If you cannot find a site online similar to your idea, find an example of the style of interactive or animated map you want to do as a visual reference point -- a site that inspires you. Due to time, only 1 or 2 sites can be shown. The proposal & presentation are worth 50 points total (as much as a lab) -- so take it seriously.
There are a variety of visualization options: smooth, temporal animation; motion and shape tweening animation; step-by-step "book-like" animation; "faux" GIS (where the user gets to turn layers on and off ); 3D modeling in SketchUp and Google Earth; animations in Google Earth, and any combination of the above. The one requirement is that the project is presented through Flash (or possibly Google Earth) and showcased on your blog. You can choose to use any combination of software programs for the development (ArcMap, Illustrator, Photoshop. etc.) but you must use Flash or Google Earth as the display medium.
At this point you should have a decent grasp as to what you can do in Flash. We're just starting the 3D side but it is not too hard. Go ahead and propose your ideal project (what you'd *really* like to see) and we'll discuss what is doable. My hope is that your project can be used for potential employers (or grad schools) as an example of what you can do. And there are even student map competitions for visualizations!
]]>How do you move a block of content in the timeline (multiple keyframes spread over several layers). Although you can highlight content in several layers, you cannot click and drag them to later frames. But you can cut and paste them. The trick is to use the functions under Edit -> Timeline. First, select the keyframes you want to move (with their layers unlocked). Go to Edit (at the top) -> Timeline -> Cut frames. Then select the new frame location and Edit -> Timeline-> Paste Frames. If you end up with duplicate layers (some filled and some blank), you can delete the blank ones.
If you are working to add a Splash Screen at the front of your Lab 6 movie, this might prove to be the easiest technique. Select, cut, and move all your content further down on the timeline so you have blank frames at the front for your new Splash content. If you have already created the Spash screen in a different Flash movie, you can still Cut (or Copy) it and paste it into your Lab 6 Shape Tween movie. If all you need is one blank frame in all of your layers, there is a quick trick. Unlock all the layers. Click on the frame number you want (say, Frame 1) -- in the grey section with the Frame numbers, not on a layer. Hit F5 (or Insert -> Timeline -> Frame). You'll get one new frame in every layer (effectively shifting all your content to the right one space). If you need one frame in just one layer, click on the correct spot in that layer and do the same. Warning: if you have scripts referring to Frame Numbers (not labels), shifting your keyframes with any of the above methods will mess up all the scripts. If you have a handy trick you're using a bunch, please post a comment!]]>This week we begin our final assult on Russia. The completed Lab 6 is due today (but you have until late Wed to make changes). If you are having issues, *please* let me know.
With lab 7 the goal is for you to create your first "rich" movie in terms of content, design, and functionality. Spend enough time to get it looking good (and working correctly). We are learning about smaller effects that can add considerable polish to your Flash projects. Splash screens, rollover effects like pop-up windows, and hyperlinks.
It is also time to start thinking about potential final project topics. We will be using Flash as the presentation program for the final projects so I want you to be comfortable with it and have a wide range of options for tackling your project. Here is a nice final project from a few years ago: Vikings
And lastly, even names are spatial: http://www.babynamewizard.com/name-mapper or the other neat variation: http://www.babynamewizard.com/voyager#
]]>...comes a nice static map of Catholics worldwide: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/world/catholics-around-the-world...
]]>Ok, here is a list of the maps I'd like you to find and post to your blog to build the collective library of neat and cool and inspirational. Maps can be animated, interactive, or a combo. Please add with your post a brief explanation about why you selected it.
1/29: Neat animated or interactive map (any topic)
2/5: Map that uses buttons to move through temporal data (flip-book style)
2/12: Map with a well-crafted timeline
2/19: Map that allows the user to turn visible elements on and off using buttons
2/26: Map that uses motion tween effects (objects that move across the map but do not morph)
3/6: Map that uses shape tween effects (objects that move across the map; transition in/out; change color/size/shape)
3/19: Map that incorporates a splash screen (map itself is shown after introductory screen(s)).
3/26: Map that utilizes some neat effect not yet covered (panning; zooming; camera effects; scale changes; unusual rollovers; surprise me!)
4/9: Good use of 3D for a map (preferably interactive or animated)
4/16: One last chance to find an interesting map of any style, any topic. Could relate to final projects, but not required.
]]>Today we are having a lab day. Both Labs 5 & 6 (Motion & Shape Tweens) are underway. If you opt to work somewhere else, I don't mind today. But make sure you actually work on your Motion Tweens. I will grade Lab 5's on Monday so I can send out feedback before Lab 6 is due (Tues March 19th).
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Wednesday is shaping up to be an exciting weather day for the DC metro region! These are snow forecasts as of last night courtesy of the Capital Weather Gang: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang
From a map standpoint, this is a terrible map (*why* do weather folks insist of using every color of the rainbow?).
]]>We're delving into historical cartographic animations today. The map we are using is a bit complicated since it is trying to portray a temporal component in a static map. I want to give you a link to a map that is a simplified version of the original. It does not have enough detail to make the animation, but it may assist in your interpretation of the original map. Here is also the Wiki reference on the event (with more graphics). It is quite helpful to have a color version of the original map (hence, the handout). Lab 5is much easier from a scripting standpoint but more complicated from a graphics/design/visualization standpoint. If you find handy tricks or hints, please post comments to this post for all to see. Thanks!!
oh, and here are a few finished examples from the past (include shape tweens, splash screens, rollovers, and more):
]]>...check out this neat visualization: http://visual.ly/presidential-demographics?view=true
And let me plug the site this stemmed from: http://visual.ly/ Loads of interesting graphics (more added all the time). You might find something that inspires you for your final project (topic and/or design style).
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Due to sick kid, I have not been able to tinker with Lab 4's (sorry!). I will push back the due date more and I won't start grading them until the end of the weekend. If you still need help, let me know!
Today we are going to officially begin Lab 5 and start Motion Tweening. We are also going to start learning about Shape Tweening with our Topic Overview group.
Lab 5's due date will be next *Thursday* March 7th (instead of the typical Tuesday). We will start Lab 6 next Tuesday, but it will not be due until after Spring Break. Lab 5, 6 and eventually Lab 7 build upon each other.
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