CRN: 24208 |
Course Description and Focus
This course will introduce you to mapping for interactivity with a focus on both design and technology. We will explore various software platforms for creating interactive maps meant to be used on personal computers, tablets, or mobile devices. These include Google, ArcGIS Online, MapBox Studio, and Carto. Topics covered in this course include evaluating functions and limitations of map server software, creating well-designed and effective web-based maps, and current trends in web-based geospatial technologies.
Interactive Map Design is taught in a computer lab. Classes consist of a combination of lecture, demos, discussion, labs, and working on projects. The labs and projects are designed to assist in learning specific tools and techniques for creating effective interactive maps. Students will share their maps with each other and critique maps based on their design, content, and functionality. The final project will provides students with an opportunity to create an interactive map, using their software of choice and on a topic of their choice.
The classroom environment should be interactive and collaborative. All students are expected to come to class prepared to share ideas, experiences, tools, and knowledge with their peers; and be open to explore new tools and technologies.
Click here to see the Geo 244 Course Curriculum and Outcome Guide.
Course Materials
2| Getting to Know Web GIS, by Pinde Fu (OPTIONAL)
3| Web GIS: Principles & Applications, by Pinde Fu & Jiulin Sun (OPTIONAL)
4| USB Flashdrive (Recommended 2GB minimum)
Assignments and Grading
Labs | 55% | a series of lab activities that focus on various topics in the course
Tool Library | 10% | a blog post about a specific interactive mapping tool, software, or widget
Tool Library guidelines & sign up
Final Project | 25% | creating an interactive map & a final presentation
Participation | 10% | active participation in 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
TopicsApril 3 | 5 April 10 | 12 April 17 | 19 April 24 | 26 May 1 | 3 May 8 | 10 May 15 | 17 May 22 | 24 May 29 | 31 June 5 | 7 June 12
FINAL PROJECT PRESENTATIONS |
AssignmentsReading | The Digital Earth: Understanding our planet in the 21st Century, by Al Gore 1998; Web Mapping 101, by Esri Reading | Take control of your maps, by Paul Smith, 2008; What is ArcGIS online? (ESRI Reference); ArcGIS online runs security for Boston Marathon, ArcNews 2016 Reading | AGOL Web Layers (ESRI Reference) Reading | Going Viral. The look of online Persuasive Maps by Ian Muehlenhaus Reading | Data Visualization: Science on the Map by Mark Zastrow;
Mapbox Guide to Map Design, by Mapbox Lab 5. MapBox Studio , Data DUE: Lab 4 Reading | Addressing Map Interface Usability: Learning from the Lakeshore Nature Preserve Interactive Map, by Robert Roth & Mark Harrower, 2008. Reading | What is an API? In English, Please. by Petr Gazaro, More than you ever wanted to know about GeoJSON, by Tom MacWright Reading | A Process for Keeping Pace with Evolving Web Mapping Technologies, by Robert Roth et. al., 2012
DUE. Lab 6 (Presentations)
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Additional Resources
- Mapping Millions of Dots
- Gretchen Peterson's Blog - Web Maps
'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| The subject line of your email should reflect the assignment name. For example: Lab1
GIS Software
Backing Up Your Work
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