Intro to Mapping Science
Fall 2009

Syllabus

Goals of the Course

  1. Introduce the basic science of mapping the earth, how to read, understand and create a map.
  2. Introduce the technologies of GIS, GPS, Remote Sensing and Internet-based mapping.
  3. Introduce the basics of cartography and good map design.
  4. All students who complete the course should have a basic competency in ESRI ArcMap and ArcCatalog.

Grading

Midterm35%
Lab Exercises35%
Final Project20%
Class Participation10%

Computer Lab Exercises

All assignments due the week after assigned. Not accepted after three weeks past due date. Submitted via Bb-CT.

Grading of Lab Exercises

Meets expectations8 points
Exceeds expectations9 points
Outstanding, especially innovative10 points
Minor errors6-7 points
Major errors2-5 points
2 points subtracted for each week past due date on syllabus.

Final Project

Design your own map project. Details provided later.

Office Hours

Office hours are always Wednesday, 5:00pm to 6:15pm. Office hours also available by request.

Addendum

A USB drive will be required for this course. They are available through the Rowan University Bookstore, but you are not required to purchase one from there. You must have at least 1GB of space available on the drive for this class.

Lectures, Labs & Materials

Mid-term Study Guide [word doc]

Unit 1: Introduction to Maps – Lecture • Assignment

Unit 2: History of Maps – Lecture • Assignment

Unit 3: Introduction to GIS – Lecture • Assignment

Unit 4: Thematic Maps and ArcCatalog – Lecture • Assignment

Unit 5: Georeferencing and Coordinate Systems – Lecture • Assignment

Unit 6: Projection Systems – Lecture • Assignment

Unit 7: Measurement and Scale – Lecture • Measurements in Google Earth • Assignment

Unit 8: Classifications – Lecture • Assignment

Unit 9: Map Layout – Lecture • Assignment posted on Blackboard.

Unit 10: Visual Hierarchy – Lecture • Assignment posted Wednesday