These factors are important to consider when creating map as part of a project. This planning page summarized key components of planning map and geospatial project aspects: communication purpose, map components (projection, scale, and analysis), planning tips related to time and costs, executing aspects (workflows), managing, and closing. This guide takes a project management approach; however, could also apply to agile processes and iterate components over set periods of time.
Questions to consider when reflecting on what is to be communicated in a map or geospatial format.
Projections
Questions to consider:
1. What map projection is to be used? Is there one specific to your geographic region?
2. Is there a particular scale required? Consider trade-offs of projections in terms of equal area, equidistance, and azimuthal (direction) characteristics.
Data
Questions to consider:
Tip: Familiarize self/group with GIS file formats
Vector Data File Formats:
Shapefile (.shp): industry standard geospatial data format
Minimum 3 files: .shp (shapefile), .shx (header), and .dbf (database file), May also have: projection (.prj), and other index files
KML: Keyhole markup language
Geodatabases: collection of geographic datasets (vector, raster, tabular)
Raster: Grid, image files (tiff, jpg)
Map Project Analysis
Questions to consider:
Map/Geospatial Project supplemental content
1. Will additional media/content/digital resources be desired to incorporate in map/geospatial project?
2. What are sources of additional media, content, and digital resources?
Time
Question to consider:
1. How much time do you have to create visualization? Estimate based on prior experience and knowledge?
2. If learning a new software or resource, consider time to learn on own, courses, consultations, and/or individual contacts.
3. Would using a time management tool be helpful for tracking the parts of the project? For instance, consider using a chart (gantt chart or timeline) or setting milestones for individual/group decisions and accomplishments.
Cost
Question to consider:
1. Will there be costs associated with data, analysis, storage, and/or display of geospatial components of project?
2. Are there non-monetary costs (such as time) that need to be considered?
Additional Resources for Time and Cost Considerations