Introduction to Mapping and GIS
(CRN 43030/Course 06193)
Fall 2008
Monday, 6:30pm
John Reiser
Download the syllabus as a Word Document.
Download the details of the final project.
Map and Presentation due during Finals (15 December)
Map Proposal due (17 November)
Your final project for this course will be a map of your own creation. During the final exam period, you will present your map in front of the class, give a brief overview, and answer questions from the class. The map will be assessed by the instructor and your fellow students for the following criteria:
- How well the map achieves its goal (effective presentation)
- How appropriate the map is for its intended audience
- Aesthetics - visual balance and hierarchy, use of color, graphics, etc.
- Map elements Ð title, neatlines, scale, north arrow, legend, source
- Appropriateness of projection/orientation used
- Type of map
- Type/Number of classes
- Source data/metadata
- Overall map effectiveness
The map can be of a dataset of your choosing, however it must be approved by the instructor first. You are encouraged to choose a map that interests you. You will briefly discuss with the class your proposed map concept on the 17th of November, before the lecture. If you do not have an approved map project by the 17th, one will be provided for you. Once approved, you should begin working on the map. The instructor will provide any data you are unable to obtain. Before the final exam period, you will be given some class time to work on your map.
What you will provide at the final exam period:
- A digital copy of the map (PDF, JPG, MXD) to display on the screen
- A hard copy of the map (choose paper size accordingly)
- A one to three page essay on your map, detailing the creation process, decisions you made while making your map, its intent and audience, etc.
It is encouraged that you do the following:
- Get a head start Ð talk to me before the 17th if you desire
- Make backups of your work Ð keep multiple copies of your MXD and any exports
- Ask me for help Ð you can email me questions or drafts of your map and I'll provide assistance
- Have fun and be creative
Overview
This course is all about mapping the earth. A map can be considered from several aspects, as a scientific report, a historical document, a research tool, and an object of art. In an increasingly interrelated world it has become very important for many professionals to learn the theory and practice cartography and the fundamentals of spatial science. In recent years, cartographic representation and spatial science like many other fields has gone digital. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies not only have opened up entire new ways of representing spatial-related phenomenon but have also provide new tools for thinking, analyzing and modeling the processes of the earth. Thus, this course is an introduction to the many theories, techniques, and practices that together form the basis of the Mapping and Geographic Information Sciences.
Objective
Our major objective is to learn how to represent the world though modern cartographic and spatial technologies as well as how to interpret and critique maps and the mapping process. The course is also designed to stimulate interest in students about cartographic issues that play a vital role in modern development and geopolitics. Geographic Information Systems (GISs) is one of the major application used in diverse areas of study such as ecological studies, geology, urban planning, emergency response, hence it is important that geography students are well adequate with knowledge of the principles of map design and understand how to analyze map products.
At the end of the course students are expected to become proficient with map making, the fundamentals of GIS and be able to critically analyze issues of cartography. Every student is expected to participate in all class discussion on each topic, be able to divulge better map making and analyzing skills.
Office Hours / Open Door Policy
Office hours are by appointment only. I will be available before and after class. I am available through email; I check it often and will typically respond as soon as I am able. I can be available on weekends and willing to spend some set time in the lab if that will help.
Required Text
John Krygier and Denis Wood. Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS. First Edition.
(ISBN 1-59385-200-2)
I will also provide you with laboratory materials required to complete assignments.
Attendance
Mandatory. Attendance will be taken each class and points will be subtracted from your class participation grade.
Cell phones must be turned off during class time. The first offense will be a warning. Each subsequent offense will subtract a point from your participation grade. See me ahead of class if there is an emergency situation for which you need to have your cell phone operational.
Do not IM, email, or surf the net while IÕm talking or when you are in class.
| Midterm | 40% |
| Final Project | 15% |
| Computer Labs | 40 |
| Participation & Attendance | 5% |
Evaluation
Your final grade will be based on performances in exams, assignments, class participation and project as well.
Article Extra Credit
You have the option of choosing a recent news article related to geography, mapping or GIS and writing an essay (minimum of 1 page, single spaced, 10pt font, 1" margins) on the importance of the topic discussed. Points will be awarded on your ability to explain the topic and tie it back to the course work. The extra credit points awarded will be applied toward your problem sets.
*NOTE: I posted "Assignment #2" (Washington Twp in ArcMap) below as Assignment #3 - If you completed this already do not redo it!
Assignment 4 is due next week (29 September).
| Date | Theme | Lecture |
Lab |
Readings | Due | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 8 | Introduction |  |
 |
||
| 2 | Sep 15 | Intro to GIS and Remote Sensing | |
* |
Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 4 | Assignment #1 |
| 3 | Sep 22 | Intro to ArcMap | |
|
Ch 3, Ch 4 | Assignment #2 |
| 4 | Sep 29 | Intro to Globe and Coordinate Systems | |
 |
Handout | Assignment #3 |
| 5 | Oct 6 | Using ArcCatalog | |
Ch 5 | Assignment #4 | |
| 6 | Oct 13 | Coordinate Systems: USNG, UTM, SP | |
| Ch 5, Handout |
Assignment #5 |
|
| 7 | Oct 20 | Mid-term Exam | ||||
| 8 | Oct 27 | Foundation of Geographic Data | |
Ch 3 | ||
| 9 | Nov 3 | Data Classifications | |
Assignment #6 | ||
| 10 | Nov 10 | Principles of Symbolization | |
Ch 9 | Assignment #7 | |
| 11 | Nov 17 | Scale and Generalization | Ch 8 | Assignment #8 | ||
| 12 | Nov24 | Color in Mapping | Ch 6, 7, 10 | Assignment #9 | ||
| 13 | Dec 1 | Typography, Layout and Visual Hierarchy | |
Ch 11 | Assignment #10 | |
| 14 | Dec 8 | None (Work on project) | ||||
| 14 | Finals Week |
Final Project | None (Work on project) |
Additional/Recommended Reading
- Ormsby, Tim. Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop. (ISBN 158948083X)
- Monmonier, Mark. How to Lie with Maps. (ISBN 0226534200)
- Slashgeo - GIS and remote sensing news.
- Directions Magazine - Online magazine with a focus on geospatial technology.
- Digital Urban - Andrew Hudson-Smith's blog on 3D visualization and GIS.
- Color Brewer - Interactive tool for testing different color patterns on maps.
Websites to Check Out