OVERVIEW 1. Program Maps Restyling 1. (Failed) attempts 2. Solution! 1. Changes explained 2. Map Booklet Restyling 1. Old vs New 2. Small change makes BIG change 3. How to do it 1. Plus tips and tricks Intro: Why bother changing map styles? Questions? @run_for_funner
WHY BOTHER CHANGING? First: What is USAID/OFDA? US Agency for International Development Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance OFDA needs maps for: Quick onset or natural emergencies Hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters Other: locusts, draught, etc. Complex emergencies Aftermath (long term) of above disasters Human induced disasters (war, technology induced (chemical, etc) Disaster Declaration map, September 2015 @run_for_funner
WHY BOTHER CHANGING? [maps needed for…] Summaries of where USG humanitarian aid is going (to what programs and organizations in the affected area) 99% of the time: need FAST maps Reason why specs exist BUT: same reason why specs have not changed often – work focuses on pushing out as many maps as possible, as quickly as possible. (all GOOD REASONS of course, for why specs don’t change often) Program map, May 2013 @run_for_funner
@run_for_funner C H A N G E V I S U A L H I E R A R C H Y P. boxes are the “most important” information, so: Lighten base map color Lighten ADMIN and City Names Maintain hierarchy by making ADMIN darker than City Names & dots Because base color lightened a lot, make admin borders slightly darker (but not DARK)
@run_for_funner C H A N G E V I S U A L H I E R A R C H Y P. boxes are the “most important” information, so: Lighten international borders via both color AND STROKE (make thinner) Remove int’l cities (irrelevant) Make int’l country names lighter than country ADMIN names
@run_for_funner P R O G R A M B O X C H A N G E S Remove border Remove tab Add lead line instead Shorten “International partners” to “ip” Add 85% transparency to white
@run_for_funner P R O G R A M B O X C H A N G E S ( H I E R A R C H Y ) Make int’l boxes 75% transparent Make int’l lead line lighter than country ADMIN lead line Keep countrywide tab, but make WHITE Change label to black Make white box (and tab) 90% transparent