Starting with a coffee bean and getting smaller from there.... http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/cells/scale/
Nice example of a projection selected to accommodate the phenomena: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2009/04/15/GR20090415011...
Nice video of a globe transforming into different projected surfaces: http://www.mcwetboy.net/maproom/2009/04/myriahedral_pro.php (and the link is from the Map Room, an blog about maps)
Nice explanations of major projections from the National Atlas site: http://www.nationalatlas.gov/articles/mapping/a_projections.html
Freeware program for creating map projections: Flex Projector http://www.flexprojector.com/
Map projections used to create a globe in a different medium: http://weblogs.java.net/blog/kohsuke/archive/2009/06/afterjavaone_pr.html
Just about anything can show the continents: http://kevinvanaelst.com/photoapple.html
This week I want you to search for an interesting static map of the earth (a world map). Any topic (physical, cultural, etc). Any style or layout. There are tons of examples out there -- look for one that appeals to you, post a copy of it on your blog with a link to the source page, and explain why you selected it.
On the right side of this blog you will now find links to your classmate's blogs. If you "follow" each one, you can use the Reader function in Posterous to keep track of everyone's posts. Lab 1's are already appearing...
The toolbox in Illustrator is a mightly handy palette, once you get to know it. Here is graphic that details the different tool icons: http://blogs.adobe.com/vikrant/2011/07/toolbox-overview-illustrator-cs5/
This is the main Adobe help page for Illustrator. There are tons of blogs with tips and tricks, but this is the official site (often the best starting spot if you have a question): http://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/topics.html
This semester we will be using Adobe Illustrator extensively. There is no requirement to purchase the software -- there is class time and access to the software in the GGS Reasearch 1 lab (which is open 24/hours). But....many students find it helpful to have the program at home or on their laptop.
The current version of Illustrator is CS6 (http://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.edu.html ) but their suite of software is often a better deal. Student discounts are very good deal with Adobe. Here is the campus computer store's pricing: http://compstore.gmu.edu/products/adobe/
One more thing: there is a FREE 30 day trial offered with every Adobe program. This is very handy, but you cannot reuse the trial. So you can opt to use it or wait until 30 days before the final project is due....
Today in lab you will be setting up your own posterous blog. It is easy! Just remember to email me (jhallden@gmu.edu) your posterous web address once you have your site set-up. I will be linking everyone to this class page so it is easy to stay connected. Try to do that today. Thanks!
Once I get everyone added, you can "follow" your classmate's blogs as an easy way to keep up with all that is being posted.
Questions? Just ask. :)
Oh...and for your 1st post, find a static map (any topic), download it, then upload it to your new post on posterous (or attach to an email), add a few sentences about why you like it, and Publish! Easy.
You found it...the blog for Intro to Cartography this Fall at Mason. Glad to have you on board!