Module 3

Module 3: Refined Map with Color

September 14, 2025

Introduction

For this assignment, I enhanced my Module 2 Florida COVID-19 map using Adobe Illustrator. The goal was to apply color theory and vector graphics to make the visualization more professional and accessible while preserving the original data integrity.

Color Strategy and Readability

Rather than rebuilding the entire visualization, I kept the original Tableau color scheme because it already told the data story effectively. The sequential palette from light blue to dark orange creates a clear hierarchy where viewers can instantly identify high-case areas through the warmer, darker colors. This approach maintained my Module 2 work while adding the professional enhancement required for Module 3.

Vector Elements Added

I used Illustrator's tools to add three key enhancements:

Title and Typography: Added "Florida COVID-19 Cases by ZIP Code - April 8, 2020" to provide immediate context and establish the timeframe.

City Labels: Placed Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami directly on the map to give viewers geographic reference points. This solved a major limitation from Module 2, where people couldn't easily identify which areas they were viewing.

Structured Legend: Created a clear explanation of the color ranges (Light Blue: 0-10 cases through Dark Orange: 50+ cases) with proper data source attribution to the Florida Department of Health.

Gestalt Principles Applied

Proximity: Grouped all legend elements together on the right side for easy reference.

Contrast: The existing color variations naturally highlight urban clusters, drawing attention to Miami, Orlando, and Tampa where case concentrations were highest.

Similarity: Used consistent text formatting throughout to create visual unity across the composition.

Impact and Learning

These changes transform the map from a basic data visualization into a professional communication tool. The city labels make it accessible to viewers unfamiliar with Florida geography, while the structured legend removes any ambiguity about color meanings.

Working in Illustrator taught me that sometimes the simplest approach is most effective. After initially attempting complex vector tracing, I learned that importing the original image and adding text elements achieved better results with less effort.

Conclusion

The enhanced map successfully communicates COVID-19 distribution patterns across Florida ZIP codes during the pandemic's early stages. By combining clear data visualization with strategic design elements, the final product serves as an effective tool for understanding regional pandemic impacts.





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