Learning outcomes

• Understand the importance of background maps in contextualizing spatial data and learn how to integrate them into mapping projects.
• Explore the various vector layer visualization types available in Felt and understand how they can be applied to different field types for effective data representation.
• Learn about thematic mapping techniques such as choropleth maps, heatmaps, proportional symbol maps, and categorical maps, and understand when to use each method based on the nature of the data.
• Apply the concepts learned throughout the module to complete a final exercise, creating a thematic map using vector layer visualization techniques and background maps in Felt.

Resources

<aside> ℹ️ Here you can access all educational resources including slides, map, exercise files, etc., for teaching purposes.

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• Slides:

  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ufi_9rafSnKySP_K97NYzaseQfA5Drse/view?usp=sharing&utm_source=notion&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=edu_3

• Exercise

Introduction to basemaps

Background maps, often referred to as basemaps, are more than just backdrops; they form the foundation for geographic visualization, providing crucial context for data overlays and analysis.

Choosing the right basemap is a pivotal decision in GIS projects, as it establishes the tone for the entire visualization. With options ranging from traditional search engine web maps to elevation and even watercolor maps, each background map type offers a unique perspective, catering to diverse visualization needs.

Navigating basemaps in Felt

Accessing basemaps in Felt is straightforward. It offers a range of commonly used backgrounds suitable for various visualization needs. These include standard options like the default background and a "Light" version, which utilizes more white tones to improve visibility. This last one is useful when you want the background to be less prominent and maintain a neutral appearance. Also, a dark mode is available, providing an alternative visualization option that can be particularly useful for projects requiring contrast or nighttime visualization.

Different background maps available in Felt.

Additionally, Felt offers a satellite imagery background, providing high-resolution photographic detail that is useful for various purposes. In this case, it complements a vector layer showcasing the historical evolution of a city, offering additional context to understand the changes over time, including the development of buildings and infrastructure.

Map displaying a satellite imagery background overlaid with a vector layer illustrating the urban evolution of Brasilia over different year ranges. Access the map using this link.

Sometimes, you may want to highlight specific elements of your background map, such as roads or parks. To aid in this, Felt provides a tool that enables you to position layers below water and roads, essentially utilizing layers from the same map to place beneath another polygon layer. This feature proves invaluable while working with and creating your own background maps, as it saves considerable time compared to manually uploading and styling those layers.

Map showing the regions of England alongside the conservation areas. The position of the conservation areas has been adjusted to be displayed "below water and roads," enhancing the contextualization of these polygons within the country's landscape. Access the map using this link.