Course Syllabus
Course: GEO 2850
Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Geology
Title: Cartography and Digital Mapmaking
Semester Approved: Fall 2023
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2028
End Semester: Summer 2029
Catalog Description: Cartography is the science and art of map making. Students will learn principles for creating maps that immediately and effectively communicate spatial relationships to a reader, applying those principles to their own maps over the course of the semester. This course is designed for non-majors and majors.
Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
Prerequisites: GEO 1800 OR GEO 2800 (can be taken concurrently)
Justification: This course is intended as an elective for students, particularly those who will be pursuing a GIS certificate or just taking GIS coursework. A solid understanding of cartographic principles and techniques is critical for student success in the field of GIS. Most colleges and universities in Utah offer a similar course. Examples of these are: Salt Lake Community College GEOG 2100, University of Utah GEOG 3100, Southern Utah University GEOG 3550, and Weber State University GEOG4400, USU - GEOG4850
Student Learning Outcomes:
Attain actionable knowledge of cartography and geo-visualization. This will be assessed by midterm and final exams and cartographic projects.
Design and construct maps for communicating map information to others. This will be assessed by cartographic projects. This will be assessed by cartographic projects.
Make base information that provides geographic reference. This will be assessed by cartographic projects.
Choose and arrange map elements for better cartographic communication. This will be assessed by midterm and final exams and cartographic projects.
Choose and control labels, symbols and colors for best effect. This will be assessed by midterm and final exams and cartographic projects.
Utilize a variety of thematic mapping and geo-visualization techniques. This will be assessed by midterm and final exams and cartographic projects.
Design maps for print and online reproduction and dissemination. This will be assessed by cartographic projects.
Content:
Using a variety of teaching methods, this course may include any of the following topics:• Developments in cartography: History of the art and science. (While considering the history and symbolism in cartography, we make an effort to consider ideas from the perspective of both older, western views and modern more universal aesthetics.)• What is a modern digital map? How do we currently communicate, visualize and interpret information using maps?• Maps, Visualization, and Design-Symbolizing places and spaces on maps• Maps and Map Projections-Representing a 3-D world in 2-D space• Map reference and coordinate systems• Thematic and topographical maps• Managing digital cartographic data• Using data from different sources (correctly)The final student project will allow students to choose a topic for a map that is meaningful and important to them. They will learn to access data, import data, create a map that satisfies the requirements learned in the class. This relevant and engaging project will allow students from a variety of backgrounds to highlight their own unique perspectives and ideas. For example, a student could access data from the U.S. Census that looks at poverty, food deserts, or race. Other students might choose to access relevant data relating to elk migration in their local national forest. Another student might choose to create a map that looks at housing prices, school rankings, or cost of living. Another student may choose to create a map that examines landslides relative to geologic units.
Key Performance Indicators:
8-10 cartographic projects (map creation and critique) 40 to 60%
Midterm exam 20 to 30%
Final exam or project 20 to 30%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Slocum, Terry A., Robert McMaster, Fritz Kessler and Hugh Howard, "Thematic Cartography and Geographic Visualization", current edition, Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle Creek, NJ.
Monmonier, Mark, "How to Lie With Maps", current edition, Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Peterson, Gretchen GIS Cartography: A Guide to Effective Map Design, current edition
Pedagogy Statement:
Instructors will use lecture, demonstrations, discussions, and group work to engage and encourage learning. Instructors will work to become aware of the negative or oppressive information that colored maps of the past. The instructor will demonstrate caring through attitude, expectations, and behavior. They will make an effort to learn students' names, and learn about their backgrounds and social identities, and include their unique perspectives. Instructors will provide constructive feedback. They will foster opportunities for group work and peer-to-peer interaction.
Instructional Mediums:
Online
Maximum Class Size: 15
Optimum Class Size: 12
