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Baghdad
Red Zone
The Charlotte Observer
1. How the idea developed.
The
push towards Baghdad was reaching its most critical
point, with U.S. forces about to enter the Red Zone.
On Thursday DME/Presentation Tom Tozer asked for a
full-page graphic explaining this critical push and
looking ahead to the Iraqi defenses around the capital
city. I was asked to create the map to run in our
Sunday Perspective section on March 30.
2. How it was researched.
I
had already collected a good selection of reference
maps that showed a lot of detail about the area south
of Baghdad down to An Najaf. Some of the maps I look
for are aviation/pilot maps, since they are good sources
for prominent geographic features. One of the maps
I used was in Russian, but the topography was still
readable.
I drew the large inset map, and placed the overprint
rings on a second map I had already created for use
during the war. I also divided the inner ring (50
miles out) into thirds to illustrate the zones each
Iraq Republican Guard was assigned in defense of Baghdad.
Tom had suggested that we try to show the entire zone.
The bulls-eye effect of the design made for a striking
visual presence.
We used a variety of sources for the daily battle
map, and these were also used to place the location
of troops and action on the map.
Dee Dee Strickland (perspective editor) and Jo Miller
(art director) helped research wire and media sources
for the defensive information and text used in the
copy blocks. They also edited the graphic.
Our DME/Content Cheryl Carpenter speaks often of the
three Cs: Context, Clarity and Conciseness. I think
this graphic is a good example of designing, editing
and illustrating with the 3Cs in mind.
3. Feedback
Another
very timely and helpful map for our readers as well
as the folks covering the war in our newsroom. A version
was posted online that was also well received. We
had a few calls for extra copies and for some reprints.
This map went from idea to finished version in less
than 48 hours.
4. Who worked on the graphic?
I
researched, designed, illustrated the map. Dee Dee
Strickland, perspective editor edited the maps and
did a lot of the research. Tom Tozer is the overall
editor for the section, Jo Miller is the art director.
--Submitted
by Wm Pitzer
News Graphics Editor
The Charlotte Observer
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