skill development

Skill Development Lab 3 – Mapping the use of SNAP benefits in Washington State

In Module 2, you learned how to make choropleth, dot density, and proportional symbol maps.  In this module, we will focus our attention on how we can refine and modify our data to be able to make clearer, and thus stronger, arguments with our maps.  You already know how to make a choropleth map, so what you will learn in this lab is how to classify data in a few different ways and how to normalize data in QGIS.  Since you will be making maps, you’ll also have the opportunity to continue practicing getting the visual hierarchy of your map to align with the intellectual hierarchy.

As we develop the skills you learned about in Module 3 (classification and normalization), we will also be considering a real-world geographic question:

What is the distribution of SNAP benefit use in Washington State?

In particular, we will consider, both what counties require the most resources and where families are using SNAP benefits in relation to the total populations.  As we do, you are asked to incorporate what you are learning about using maps to make arguments into the maps you make as part of this lab.

This lab should take approximately 2 hours to complete. This lab is worth 60 points.

Evidence of skill development will be assessed on:

Submit two choropleth maps made using QGIS.  (Required – 60 points)

Contribute to the lab discussion. 

OBJECTIVES

Strengthen your choropleth mapping skills

Effectively classify data using multiple classification strategies

1. Appropriately normalize data to meaningfully compare data across areal units of various size
2. Visualize how the same data can be used to display different geographic patterns

Match the visual hierarchies on the map with the intellectual hierarchies of the map’s argument

Skill Development Lab 3 Rubric

 or explanation.