Legends and Color
Introduction:
In the Geology Module we have been looking at the movement of geological plates and even though most of the maps have been generic locations, it brings up a new type of visual that we should consider…the map! (concepts we cover in this section could also be used for other types of visuals such as diagrams, because they both communicate location and relative placement).
What are they? Maps and diagrams are types of representations where you are looking at the relative position of items in relation to each other. Just as a map might tell you where a city could lie in relation to a river or canyon, a diagram can show you where the cornea is in relation to the optic nerve. Because you cannot necessarily draw everything to scale, there are often symbols and colors that represent different concepts or structures. In addition, many times other information is layered on top of the map to show how things are distributed geographically. Here’s an overview of how to read or think about maps.
Lesson: Just like the Title and Axes, to decode maps you have to look at the Legend to decode all of the symbols and colors used…you might be surprised what you find.
Read:
Visit the following sites and see what they say about the pros and cons associated with this form of visual communication:
Color is not just a way to label…it means something in its own right article.
Along similar lines how might this NASA figure be misinterpreted?
Is this additional ocean picture a problem for you?
In the same sense, is this perspective of Where America Lives image a problem?
Overlap of additional information to communicate a point image.
Exercise:
What role does distortion and artistic license play in maps and diagrams? Find an artistic representation (meaning that the creator of piece is using more of an artistic style than a scientific style) used to convey data or information (you might find one here: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/50-informative-and-well-designed-infographics/). What material do these artistic renditions make viewers interpret and potentially get wrong? What does it offer in return? Is this a concern?
You will be evaluated on the following criteria:
| Level | See Like A Scientist |
| None (0) | Missing. |
| Emerging (2) | Link to artistic representation being discussed is missing. Analysis of artistic license, including distortion and artistry, is minimal or missing. Relationship between artistic rendition and viewer interpretation is minimal. |
| Developing (4) | Artistic representation being discussed is linked or posted. Analysis of artistic license, distortion, and artistry is aligned with drawbacks and benefits for viewers. Concerns are discussed. |
| Proficient (6) | Artistic representation being discussed is linked or posted. Analysis of artistic license, distortion, and artistry is aligned with drawbacks and benefits for viewers. Concerns and possible fixes are articulated in alignment with drawbacks and benefits. Cognitive bias may be discussed as appropriate. |
| Criteria | Excellent | Meets expectation | Needs improvement | Missing or incomplete |
| Content | 4 pointsArtistic representation being discussed is linked or posted. Analysis of artistic license, distortion, and artistry is aligned with drawbacks and benefits for viewers. Concerns and possible fixes are articulated in alignment with drawbacks and benefits. Cognitive bias may be discussed as appropriate. | 3 pointsArtistic representation being discussed is linked or posted. Analysis of artistic license, distortion, and artistry is aligned with drawbacks and benefits for viewers. Concerns are discussed. | 2 pointsLink to artistic representation being discussed is missing. Analysis of artistic license, including distortion and artistry, is minimal or missing. Relationship between artistic rendition and viewer interpretation is minimal. | 0 pointsMissing. |
| Formatting | 2 pointsThe post is 200-400 words.The post is thoughtful, respectful, grammatically correctThe post is published before the deadline. | 1 pointLacks one of the excellent formatting characteristics. | 0 pointsLacks two of the excellent formatting characteristics. | 0 pointsMissing |
| Overall Score | Level 4 7 or more | Level 3 5 or more | Level 2 3 or more | Level 1 0 or more |