CHRISTINA FRIEDLE

Geo 240 | Cartographic Principles & Design

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Course Description & Focus

This course will introduce students 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 and qualitative data.  The course will also help students 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 reviews cartographic concepts.  The labs and projects are designed to assist in learning the techniques for creating effective maps.  There are a series of map critiques to assist in the revision of maps and continual improvements of your maps.  Additionally, all students will create a final presentation of the maps created throughout the course. 

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.

Prerequisite:  Geo 265 or instructor permission.  Audit available.

Course Materials

1| Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS, John Krygier & Denis Wood, 2nd Edition
2| Cartographer's Toolkit: Colors, Typography, Patterns, Gretchen Peterson
3| Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users, Cynthia Brewer
4| USB Flashdrive (recommended 2GB min)

Sample Course Outline


Week 1.  

Introduction to Course
Topic: Making Maps & Creative Inspiration
Map Project 1: Reference Maps

Week 2.

Topic: Design & Layout
Map Critique #1

Week 3.

Topic: Type Basics

Week 4.

Topic: Labels & Placement

Week 5.

Map Critique #2
Guest Speaker: Various Cartographic Topics

Week 6.

Topic: Color

Week 7.

Topic: Map Symbols
Map Project 2: Thematic Maps

Week 8.

Topic: Generalization
Map Critique #3
Map Project 3: Non-Traditional Maps

Week 9.

Topic: Maps & Media
Map Critique #4

Week 10.

Work on Final Projects

Finals Week.

Final Map Presentation

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  • Home
  • About Me
  • Courses
  • GIS Club
    • About Us
    • Don't be a Dangle!
    • Event Calendar
  • Resources
    • Data
    • Tools
    • Blogs
    • ArcGIS Install
  • Blog
  • Aventuras Colombianas