Assignment - Portfolio
General Guidelines
Students will individually create a portfolio over the course of the semester to showcase their work, including maps, analyses, and presentations. The portfolio will consist of three sections (parts) and will be developed and shared using Google Sites. For each section, students are required to: (a) submit a link to the web page containing the map (hosted on Google Sites or ArcGIS StoryMaps) and (b) deliver a presentation. Specific requirements for each component of the portfolio will be provided on the Course Website.
Presentations allow students to refine their maps and narratives to address the needs of a specific audience, such as policymakers, community stakeholders, emergency management teams, or public administrators. Students will prepare an in-class presentation that tells a compelling story using the map. Students must identify their target audience and tailor the presentation to meet their priorities.
Components of Each Assignment
- Project Introduction: An introductory paragraph outlining the motivation or context for the project and the key question or problem it addresses.
- Audience Description: A brief overview of the hypothetical audience, specifying their role, priorities, and how this specific GIS analysis is relevant to their interests.
- Interactive Map: At least one polished, easy-to-read interactive map embedded within the Google Site or ArcGIS StoryMaps, adhering to cartographic principles such as appropriate symbology, labeling, and projections.
- Data and Methods: A clear explanation of the data sources, including their origin and relevance, and the methods applied for data processing and analysis.
- Key Findings: A concise summary of the most important insights derived from the analysis, emphasizing how these findings are relevant to the audience and address the project's key question.
Evaluation Criteria
- Audience Identification (5%): Clear and thoughtful identification of the hypothetical audience, including their role and priorities. Demonstrates how the map and analysis address their specific needs or decision-making processes.
- Interactive Map Quality (30%): A well-designed, polished, and visually appealing map that adheres to cartographic principles. Interactive features, such as layers and pop-ups, are effectively utilized to enhance understanding and usability.
- Storytelling & Insights (35%): A compelling and coherent narrative that highlights key findings and clearly communicates the purpose and value of the analysis. The content is engaging, tailored to the audience, and effectively answers the posed question.
- Explanation of Data & Methods (20%): A clear, concise explanation of the data sources, including details such as units, methods, and analytical approach. Avoids unnecessary jargon while maintaining technical accuracy.
- Delivery & Engagement (10%): Confident and professional presentation with enthusiastic delivery. Effectively engages the audience using clear visuals, thoughtful questions, and strong communication techniques, fostering discussion and interest.
| Assignments | % of Final Grade | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
|
01 Building the Basics
|
10% | 02/12 12pm |
|
02 Connecting the Layers
|
13% | 03/19 12pm |
|
03 Your Signature Map
|
22% | 04/16 12pm |
| Criteria | Excellent (95%+) | Good (75%+) | Fair (40%+) | Needs Improvement | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audience Identification | Clear and thoughtful identification of the audience, with detailed insights into their role, priorities, and how the analysis addresses their needs. | Audience is identified with some clarity and relevance, though details about their priorities or needs could be improved. | Audience is partially identified, but the description lacks clarity or relevance to their priorities or decision-making needs. | Audience is either not identified or poorly described, with no connection to their needs or priorities. | 5% |
| Interactive Map Quality | Map is polished, visually appealing, and adheres to cartographic principles. Interactive features enhance usability and understanding effectively. | Map is well-designed and follows most cartographic principles, with minor issues in design or interactive features. | Map is functional but has noticeable issues in design, usability, or adherence to cartographic principles. | Map is poorly designed, lacks interactivity, or does not follow cartographic principles. | 30% |
| Storytelling & Insights | Clear and compelling narrative that highlights key findings and effectively addresses the research question. Tailored to the audience and engaging. | Strong narrative that communicates key findings but lacks some depth or connection to the audience. | Narrative is present but lacks clarity, engagement, or relevance to the audience and research question. | Narrative is unclear or fails to communicate findings effectively or connect to the audience. | 35% |
| Explanation of Data & Methods | Clear and concise explanation of data sources, units, methods, and analytical approach. Avoids jargon while maintaining technical accuracy. | Explanation of data and methods is mostly clear, with minor omissions or reliance on jargon. | Explanation of data and methods is present but lacks clarity or detail, with some technical inaccuracies. | Explanation of data and methods is unclear, incomplete, or technically inaccurate. | 20% |
| Delivery & Engagement | Confident and professional delivery with strong audience engagement. Visuals and communication techniques foster interest and discussion. | Delivery is professional, but audience engagement could be improved. Visuals and communication techniques are generally effective. | Delivery is somewhat confident, but engagement and communication techniques are limited or ineffective. | Delivery is unprofessional, lacks confidence, and fails to engage the audience. | 10% |
# Part 1
Map Fundamentals: Building the Basics
This section introduces foundational cartographic principles and GIS tools. Students will develop static and interactive maps that demonstrate proficiency in using ArcGIS Online and basic Python scripts. Emphasis is placed on understanding geospatial data, projections, symbology, and effective map design.
Skills and Knowledge Focus:
- Understanding geospatial data structures and types.
- Applying cartographic principles for clear, visually appealing maps.
- Using GIS tools like ArcGIS Online for map creation.
# Part 2
Spatial Integration: Connecting the Layers
This section emphasizes the integration and analysis of multiple geospatial datasets. Students will perform overlays, intersections, and other spatial operations to uncover patterns and relationships relevant to public administration challenges.
Skills and Knowledge Focus:
- Aggregating and processing spatial data from various sources.
- Conducting spatial analysis and regression using Python or ArcGIS tools.
- Developing interactive maps that incorporate layered data visualizations.
# Part 3
Final Project: Your Signature Map
The culminating project involves solving a complex real-world problem using advanced GIS techniques. Students will apply clustering analysis, spatial regression, or optimization techniques to create a signature map that demonstrates technical and analytical proficiency.
Skills and Knowledge Focus:
- Applying advanced GIS techniques, such as clustering and spatial regression.
- Tailoring GIS solutions to specific audiences, including policymakers or community stakeholders.
- Communicating findings effectively through a narrative and polished, interactive visualizations.