Geo 7 Lab 1- 3 Maps

These three map were chosen purely due to personal experience and interests.

     The first map I have chosen (fig. 1) is from the 7.5' U.S. Geological Survey map series.  This map is specifically the Lake McCloud quadrangle (USGS Quad ID: o41122b1) in northern California.  This map is a topographical map, which shows both man-made and natural features, and uses contour lines to denote elevation change. 

     I chose this particular topographical map for a number of reasons.  I was raised in northern California, and fell in love with fly fishing.  The McCloud river system has always been one of my favorite places to fish, and as such I have spent many hours pouring over this map looking for prospective fishing locations.  Topographic maps such as this one are quite useful for my purposes, as the fishing conditions can vary drastically depending on the grades of both the river, and the surrounding terrain.  By including both natural and political features, I am able to discern what county I am fishing in, and what fishing regulations I must follow therein.  Additionally, I completed an in-depth soils survey in 2012 concerning a plot of land found within this quadrangle.  Without this topographical information, I would not have been able to provide accurate or useful information in my report. 

Figure 1. 7.5' Lake McCloud quadrangle (USGS Quad ID: o41122b1).
This image was retrieved on 01/08/2013, at 14:00 from
<http://www.mytopo.com/products/quad.cfm?code=o41122b1>

     The second map I have chosen (fig. 2) shows the forests and wood processors in the central north island region of New Zealand.  Other relevant GIS layers showing cities, railroads, ports and highways have been added.  The forest classification and sawmill varieties are denoted with various colors, and a pie chart has been added to demonstrate the percentages of each type of forest.
      New Zealand is home to the largest planted pine forest in the world.  The planted trees are Pinus radiata, which is actually native to California, however due to favorable climatic conditions in New Zealand, the trees reach maturity in less time than in their native home. Efficient utilization of lumber resources in New Zealand would not be possible without maps such as this one.  By creating a visual representation of the forests, lumber producers and methods of transportation, one can easily understand much about the mechanics of the New Zealand timber industry.

Figure 2.  Forests in Central North Island Wood Supply Region.
Retrieved from <http://www.mpi.govt.nz/forestry/forestry-in-nz/forest-mapping-wood-supply-regions.aspx> on 01/08/2013 at 14:20.

     My third and final map (fig. 3) shows earthquake shaking potential for California.  The map consists of a basic map showing counties, highways and major cities, which has an overlaying map of earthquake damage potential; demonstrated via a color gradient.
     This map is ideal for home and business owners in California who are worried about earthquake damage.  Additionally, insurance companies who offer earthquake insurance absolutely need such maps in order to asses insurance premiums for customers in varying regions.  The chosen colors are eye catching, with red being the 'danger zone.'  This makes the map ideal for public posting, especially in business which offer earthquake retrofit services; it is a glaring reminder to perspective customers that they do indeed live in a danger zone, and ought to invest in a home/office retrofit.  
     

Figure 3. Earthquake Shaking Potential map.  Retrieved from <http://mfa.allshookup.org/> on 01/08/2013 at 14:35