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.
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)
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
Introduction to Course
Topic: Making Maps & Creative Inspiration
Map Project 1: Reference Maps
Week 2.
Topic: Design & Layout
Map Critique #1
Topic: Design & Layout
Map Critique #1
Week 3.
Topic: Type Basics
Topic: Type Basics
Week 4.
Topic: Labels & Placement
Topic: Labels & Placement
Week 5.
Map Critique #2
Guest Speaker: Various Cartographic Topics
Map Critique #2
Guest Speaker: Various Cartographic Topics
Week 6.
Topic: Color
Topic: Color
Week 7.
Topic: Map Symbols
Map Project 2: Thematic Maps
Topic: Map Symbols
Map Project 2: Thematic Maps
Week 8.
Topic: Generalization
Map Critique #3
Map Project 3: Non-Traditional Maps
Topic: Generalization
Map Critique #3
Map Project 3: Non-Traditional Maps
Week 9.
Topic: Maps & Media
Map Critique #4
Topic: Maps & Media
Map Critique #4
Week 10.
Work on Final Projects
Work on Final Projects
Finals Week.
Final Map Presentation
Final Map Presentation
