Preparing for Report Creation
Before a report is started the creator needs to ensure that the majority of the component parts of the report have been generated, such as the appropriate maps. The creator must also understand the standards set forth by the contract and their employer. The employer might require certain formats for the results, such as specific colors used within the report, styles which include fonts, organizational logos, contact information, report section requirements and templates. The written report produced for the employer often times is a static document, saved in a format like Adobe Acrobat (pdf). It is possible that a contract might require a dynamic document saved in an editable format. Similar questions must be considered for posters and presentations.
As the map components are created, they must be created in the appropriate format. As discussed in the technical skill lesson on publishing a map, the output of the information must be in a format that can be used in the documents that will be created. From the mapping software, the map needs to be exported in a picture format. There are multiple picture formats that can be selected. The user also controls the resolution of the image, the higher the resolution of the image the larger the file size created. The resolution of the image for print media should be between 300 and 600 dpi1 , this value is reduced for a static map on a website. When exporting maps it is important to insure the images and appropriate resolutions have been selected. The same is true for other images, but in general the user will not have control over these items. For example, if the images are to be placed in a website, in a written report and the major component of a poster, the user might need to export three different images sizes.
If the created document is to be static, generally a spreadsheet is inserted as a table. The only time a spreadsheet would be used in a dynamic document is if calculations were to be performed within in the document, such as part of a presentation.
In general a report is to convey information, be appealing to the eye but not be cute. Make sure the document tells the story clearly and does not leave the reviewer confused. While a presentation has a presenter, the slides should be able to convey basic information. Also remember those viewing the presentation need to listen to the presenter and not try to read too much detailed information contained on the slides. Posters and written reports need to have the content fully explained without the need for a presenter. Make sure all materials use font sizes that are appropriate for the distance the reader is away from the report and the font face is clearly legible. Written reports are usually in a 10 to 12 point font, Times New Roman is the font used in this document.
As the map components are created, they must be created in the appropriate format. As discussed in the technical skill lesson on publishing a map, the output of the information must be in a format that can be used in the documents that will be created. From the mapping software, the map needs to be exported in a picture format. There are multiple picture formats that can be selected. The user also controls the resolution of the image, the higher the resolution of the image the larger the file size created. The resolution of the image for print media should be between 300 and 600 dpi1 , this value is reduced for a static map on a website. When exporting maps it is important to insure the images and appropriate resolutions have been selected. The same is true for other images, but in general the user will not have control over these items. For example, if the images are to be placed in a website, in a written report and the major component of a poster, the user might need to export three different images sizes.
If the created document is to be static, generally a spreadsheet is inserted as a table. The only time a spreadsheet would be used in a dynamic document is if calculations were to be performed within in the document, such as part of a presentation.
In general a report is to convey information, be appealing to the eye but not be cute. Make sure the document tells the story clearly and does not leave the reviewer confused. While a presentation has a presenter, the slides should be able to convey basic information. Also remember those viewing the presentation need to listen to the presenter and not try to read too much detailed information contained on the slides. Posters and written reports need to have the content fully explained without the need for a presenter. Make sure all materials use font sizes that are appropriate for the distance the reader is away from the report and the font face is clearly legible. Written reports are usually in a 10 to 12 point font, Times New Roman is the font used in this document.