…an introduction to
grid-based map analysis and modeling
GEOG 3110,
University of Denver, Geography, Winter Term 2011
Thursdays
6:00-8:50 pm,
<Click here> for a printer-friendly version (.pdf)
Below is a list of general “report writing tips”
that might be useful in class exercises. Hopefully these tips will help
the “final” polishing of your reports (and in real life beyond!!!) --Joe
Underlying Principle: Report writing is all about helping
the “hurried” reader 1) see the organization of you thinking, as well as
2) clearly identify the major points in your discussion.
…Report Writing Tip #1: enumeration is useful in report writing as the
reader usually is in a hurry and wants to “see” points in a list.
…Report Writing Tip #2: when expanding on an enumerated
list you might consider underlining the points to help the hurried
reader “see” your organization of the extended discussion/description.
…Report Writing Tip #3: avoid long paragraphs with several
major points—break large, complex paragraphs into a set smaller ones
with each smaller paragraph containing a single idea with descriptive
sentences all relating to the one thought. Don’t be “afraid” to have a
paragraph with just one sentence.
…Report Writing Tip #4: it is a good idea to use two
spaces in separating sentences as it makes paragraphs less dense …makes it
easier to “see” breaks in your thoughts—goes with the “tip” to break-up long
paragraphs as both are distracting/intimidating to a hurried reader as they
make your writing seem overly complex and difficult to decipher. Most professional reports do not indent
paragraphs—appears more “essay-like” than report-like. A report is not a literary essay.
…Report Writing Tip #5: avoid using personal pronouns (I, we, me, etc.) in a
professional report. A report is not a letter (or a text message).
…Report Writing Tip #6: “In order to…” is a redundant
phase and should be reduced to simply “To…” For example, “In order to
empirically evaluate the results …” is more efficiently/effectively written as
“To empirically evaluate the results…” This and two other points of
grammar are often used to “differentiate” the Ivy scholar from the inferior
educated masses. The other two are 1) the split infinitive ( e.g., This thing also is going to be big, not “…is
also going to be…”; don’t stick adjectives or adverbs in the middle of a
compound verb) and extraneous hyperbole (e.g., “That’s a really good
map for…” versus “That’s a good map for…”; avoid using “really”).
…Report Writing Tip #7: need to ALWAYS include a caption
with any embedded graphic or table. Also, it is a general rule is that if
a figure is not discussed in the text it is not needed—therefore, ALWAYS direct the reader’s attention to the graphic or table
with a statement of its significance to the discussion point(s) you are making.
…Report Writing Tip #8: ALWAYS have Word’s Spelling
and Grammar checkers turned on. When reviewing a document, right click on Red (spelling error) and
Green (grammar error)
underlined text and then correct.
…Report Writing Tip #9: it is easiest/best
to construct (and review) a report in “Web Layout” as page breaks do not
affect the placement of figures (no gaps or “widows”). Once the report is in final form and ready
for printing, you can switch to “Print Layout” and cut/paste figures and
captions as needed.
…Report Writing Tip #10: be sure to use a
consistent font and pitch size throughout the report. Change font only to highlight a special point
you are making or if you insert text from another source (include the copied
section in quotes).
…Report
Writing Tip #11: don’t use “justify” text alignment as it
can cause spacing problems when a window is resized in “Web Layout” view; the
document will not be printed ...it’s the “paperless society,” right? Also, be consistent with line spacing …usually single space
(or 1.5 space) is best …avoid double spacing as it takes up too much
“screen real estate” went viewing a report.
…Report
Writing Tip #12: it is easier (and more professional) to use a table for
the multiple screen gabs and figure #/title/caption as everything is
“relatively anchored” within the table and pieces won’t fly around when resizing
the viewing window—
…be sure to keep the table width within page
margin limits if you plan to print (also for easier viewing in Web Layout).
|
CoverType
map |
CLUMP
dialog box |
CLUMPED
CoverType map |
|
Figure 2-1. Script construction and map output for the CLUMP operation. The left inset shows the CLUMP operation
settings. The CoverClumps
output map on the right identifying unique map values for each “contiguous Covertype grouping” is displayed in discrete 2D grid
format with layer mesh turned on. |
||
…the easiest (and
best) way to center items in the table is to click on each item and choose
“Center” from the Paragraph tools; to create upper and lower spacing Select the
entire table and the Table Propertiesà Cell tabà Cell Optionsà uncheck Cell Margins
boxà specify .08 as both top and bottom margins.
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