Lab 1: The City of Eau Claire's Confluence Project

The goal of this lab was to use basic cartographic skills in order to depict several maps of the Confluence Project in Eau Claire. Clear Vision Eau Claire's initiative to bring the UW-Eau Claire and the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center together would result in a complex that offers student housing, performance spaces, galleries, studios, offices, classrooms, and more. It is thus important to consider the location in terms of the who is living in the area and what kinds of other zoning is present. In addition, those unfamiliar with the project may be interested in knowing where it is in relation to what they know of Eau Claire. The maps created by this lab seek to answer these questions.

Although previously learned skills like symbol properties were used, this lab offered an opportunity to learn new skills focused on cartographic appeal and involving various design elements. First, using layer properties to adjust transparency was necessary in utilizing background imagery, which gives viewers a more worldly sense of what they are looking at. Adding the drawing toolbar allowed for "Proposed Site" callouts on two maps that can be used as location reference maps. As such, the proposed site is extremely small and the callout is an essential identifier. To reach the goal of a visually pleasing map that shows who is living in the area and what type of area it is, two important maps were made. "Census Boundaries" shows the density of people 18-21 years old living in that area. "City of Eau Claire Zoning" shows what types of establishments are in the area. Other maps show the location of the proposed site by highlighting PLSS Quarter-Quarter sections, voting districts, and parcels.

By mapping in this way, viewers can see certain patterns in the area of the proposed site. First of all, "Civil Divisions" shows us that the site is in the heart of the city of Eau Claire, an important quality for such a hip and happening development. By looking at the amount of people 18-21 year olds living in the area, we can assess the access of the site by the age group who will likely be using it most. The map shows us that dense populations of this age group live just south of the site, with a moderate density surrounding it. "PLSS" and "Eau Claire City Parcels" show a closer view of the proposed site location. We see that it borders the rivers, which would offer a great view. More importantly, we see that there are plenty of transportation routes and bridges to cross the river. "City of Eau Claire Zoning" shows that the many amenities found in the central business district are readily available, and that there is plenty of nearby public land. Plus, future residents can see what ward they're voting in. So handy. 
Take a look!  

Source: City of Eau Claire and Eau Claire County 2013