At a Glance
At a Glance
Learning Outcomes
- Distinguish between static and dynamic (interactive) outputs.
- Understand the components of a 'Slippy Map'.
- Evaluate the power of story-driven cartography.
- Choose appropriate export formats for various audiences.
Key Terms
Web Map, StoryMap, Interactive Map, Popups, TALLS, SVG, GeoTIFF, Narrative Cartography
The Changing Face of Output
Traditionally, GIS output meant a printed paper map. Today, output is dynamic.
- Static Maps: PDF, JPEG, PNG (Fixed scale, fixed extent).
- Dynamic Maps: Web Maps, Dashboards (User interaction, pan/zoom).
- Mobile Maps: Offline usage, GPS integration.
Layout Design
For detailed design principles (TALLS, Visual Hierarchy), refer back to Chapter 02: Map Design. Remember that a professional layout must include: Title, Author, Legend, Location (Scale/North Arrow), and Source.
Digital & Interactive Maps
In the age of the internet, the map is no longer a static image; it is a software application. Interactive Maps allow users to explore data at their own pace, zooming in for detail or out for context.
The 'Slippy Map'
Modern web maps (like Leaflet, Google Maps, or OpenStreetMap) use a "tiled" system. Instead of loading one giant high-res image, the browser loads thousands of small 256x256 pixel tiles as you move. This provides the smooth, "slippy" experience we expect today.
Interactivity Elements
- Popups: Clicking a feature to see its hidden attribute data.
- Hover Effects: Visual feedback when a mouse moves over a region.
- Layer Toggles: Allowing users to turn data "on" or "off."
- Dynamic Filtering: Sliders or search bars that change the map in real-time.
StoryMaps: Narrative Cartography
StoryMaps represent the fusion of web mapping and long-form journalism. They allow the cartographer to guide the reader through a linear narrative, where the map changes as the user scrolls.
Why StoryMaps?
Data alone rarely changes minds. Stories do. By combining multimedia (video/photos), text, and interactive maps, you can contextualize geographic data in a way that feels personal and urgent.
Common uses include community outreach, research summaries, and environmental advocacy.
🚀 Learn More
Ready to build your own? Check out the comprehensive StoryMap workshop developed by Dr. Sounny:
Visit the StoryMap Workshop →Export Formats
Raster Exports
JPEG: Good for complex imagery (photos), lossy compression.
PNG: Good for line art and flat colors, supports transparency.
TIFF: Best for archiving, supports georeferencing tags (GeoTIFF).
Vector Exports
PDF: Universal document format, preserves layers (sometimes).
SVG: Scalable Vector Graphics for web.
AI: Adobe Illustrator format for graphic design refinement.
Interactive: Format Selection Guide
Choosing the right export format depends on your use case. Click the scenarios below to see which format is recommended and why.
Summary of Big Ideas
- Output is the bridge between GIS analysis and the human decision-maker.
- Static maps (PDF/Image) favor control and precision, while Interactive maps favor exploration.
- Layouts require the TALLS elements (Title, Author, Legend, Location, Source) to be credible.
- StoryMaps use narrative logic to make complex spatial data accessible to non-experts.
- Ethics in output involve balancing transparency with individual privacy.
Chapter Glossary
BoK Alignment
Topics in the UCGIS GIS&T Body of Knowledge that support this chapter.
- CV-03-004 Scale and Generalization
- CV-03-030 Map Production and Management
- CV-01-001 Cartography and Science
- BoK UCGIS GIS&T Body of Knowledge (Living Textbook)