CRN: 13771 |
Course Description and Focus
This course will introduce you to cartographic principles and design techniques for map display and production using ArcGIS software. Topics covered in this course include layout, visual hierarchy, fonts, labeling, colors, symbols, generalization, and mapping quantitative & raster data. The course will also develop your ability to critically evaluate maps for effective design.
This course is taught in a computer lab and is largely lecture, lab, project, and critique-based. The lectures introduce or review cartographic concepts. The labs and projects are designed to assist in learning techniques for creating effective maps. There are a series of map critiques to assist in the revision of maps and continual improvement of maps.
The class is structured to be interactive and collaborative. All students are expected to come to class prepared to think, observe, and participate in discussions, critiques, and labs. Active participation enhances the learning process for all group members.
Course Materials
2| Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users, Cynthia Brewer (reference)
3| USB Flashdrive (Recommended 2GB minimum)
Assignments and Grading
Labs | 40% | a series of lab activities that focus on various topics in the course
Map Projects | 40% | a series of mapmaking projects
PCC District Map Challenge |5%| Final draft of PCC District Zone map
Participation | 15% | active participation in map critiques, map showcase, and classroom discussions/activities
Final grades will be based on the following scale: A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (60-69), and F (below 60).
Course Outline **Course schedule is subject to change and will be updated throughout the quarter.**.
TopicsJanuary 9 / 11 January 16 / 18 January 23 / 25 January 30 / February 1 February 6 / 8 February 13 / 15 February 20 / 22 February 27 / March 1 March 6 / 8 March 13 / 15 March 20
District Map Challenge |
AssignmentsRead. Make Maps People Want to Look At, by Aileen Buckley, & A #NoDAPL Map by Carl Sack Read. Design & Layout Read. Words on Maps Read. Words on Maps Read. Along Straight Lines, Schematic Railway Maps in Advertising, by Arjan den Boer, 2017. Read. Map Symbols Read. Information Graphics
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'How To' Submit an Assignment
2| Do not include any of the lab instructions in your document. Include only the question numbers and text, your answers, and any exported maps.
3| Submit a single document in PDF format. (If creating your document in MS Word, save as a PDF file.)
4| Submit to appropriate Assignment in D2L.
Backing Up Your Work
GIS Software
Additional Resources
Attendance
Academic Dishonesty
Plagiarism is “the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work (Dictionary.com).” This is unacceptable. Cheating is also unacceptable. If you have any questions about the college’s academic policy, see pages 9-11 of the Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, online at http://www.pcc/edu/about/policy/student-rights/student-rights.pdf.
Students with Disabilities
PCC is committed to supporting all students. If you plan to use academic accommodations for this course, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss your needs. Accommodation are not retroactive; they begin when the instructor receives the "Approved Academic Accommodations" letter from you (submitted in person for courses on campus; via email for DL courses). To request academic accommodations for a disability, please contact a disability services counselor on any PCC campus. Office locations, phone numbers, and additional information may be found at http://www.pcc.edu/resources/disability