Mapping
tools are now almost
fully integrated into GIS software, allowing cartographers
to remain in an environment where database links are maintained
and graphic tools allow customization of design. This improvement
in tools allows application of map design principles, such
as nuanced color specification, design for colorblind readers,
complex multi-layered line styles, custom-placed labels, and
refined terrain representations that combine elevation tints
and relief shading. Cindy will highlight map design guidance
she presents in her new book "Designing Better Maps: A Guide
for GIS Users." She will reflect on wise critiques from her
students of GIS software function and structure as well as
experiences with mapping from a variety of consulting experiences,
such as designing atlases of Census 2000 data. She will discuss
both practical and research challenges in cartography using
a variety of map types as examples.
Cynthia
A. Brewer
is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at
The Pennsylvania State University, where she teaches introductory
cartography and map design courses. Her research emphases
are map design and color use in cartography and visualization.
In recent work, she has examined choropleth classification
issues and hypothesis generation from epidemiological maps.
Cindy completed Master's and Ph.D. degrees at Michigan State
University. Before she joined the faculty at Penn State, she
also taught cartography at San Diego State University and
the University of California, Santa Barbara. Cindy is the
author of the newly published book Designing Better Maps:
A Guide for GIS Users.
She has also published
her research in various journals, including Cartography and
GIS, Annals of the Association of American Geographers, and
Cartographic Perspectives. She is the author of ColorBrewer.org,
a Web-based tool for selecting map color schemes. While on
sabbatical with the U.S. Census Bureau, she produced Mapping
Census 2000: The Geography of U.S. Diversity. She is a consultant
for the Census Bureau, National Park Service, National Cancer
Institute, and National Center for Health Statistics, and
ESRI. Cindy has served on editorial boards of professional
journals, as Chair of the U.S. National Committee to the International
Cartographic Association, and as President of the North American
Cartographic Information Society. She regularly presents her
work at cartography, geography, and color science conferences.
For more information
on Cynthia Brewer, please click here.
