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This course provides a theoretical grounding in the various ways in which geographic information can be visualised. Beyond the conventional map display, alternate representations, interfaces to geographic data, visual exploration of datasets and cartographic generalisation will be covered. The course will provide an introduction to the concepts, principles, theories and applied components of Digital Cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
This course provides a general introduction to cartography, defined as the art, science, and ethics of mapmaking and map use. Cartography is an old discipline and profession relative to other areas within GIScience, but today is a vibrant and highly technical domain of research and design practice sometimes described as geographic visualization (geovisualization) or geovisual analytics (the course title). We will discuss the nuances of these three concepts in the first lecture, but by-and-large all three are about innovative discovery and compelling communication of geographic patterns and processes using maps.
Design maps. Specifically, you will be to understand and apply principles of:Map projections and the geographic coordinate system.Map generalization across map scales.Map typography and the design and placement of text onto maps.Visual hierarchy and map layout.Map symbolization and design considerations for thematic maps.Statistical mapping, including levels of measurement, enumeration, normalization, and classification.Storytelling with maps.Produce maps. Specifically, you will be able to:Execute original map designs from conceptualization to delivery.Estimate and manage the time needed for an open-ended design project.Design within client-defined constraints.Acquire and prepare geographic datasets.Follow and deviate from a cartographic workflow using ArcGIS and Illustrator.Critique maps. Finally, you will reflect on your design and production to:Consider cartographic design within its broader historical and social contexts.Deconstruct maps by their elementary design components to identify opportunities and alternatives.Provide constructive feedback for peers during the process of design.Self-critique and edit your own designs using professional standards.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
GEOG205 or DIGI205 or GISC422 or equivalent.
Students must attend one activity from each section.
The condensed, six-week format of the course is designed to provide an intense learning experience that mimics the experience of a real-world cartographic design firm. You are expected to spend approximately 20 hours of your working week on this course (averaged over the first term of Semester 1): • 2 hours each week attending lectures. • 1 hours each week studying lecture materials and supplemental readings. • 1 hours each week finding and summarizing a New Zealand map example for your map chat.• 15 hours each week on lab assignments (3 hours during scheduled lab time + three additional 4 hour work sessions on your lab).
Vanessa Bastos
Rob Roth
Lab Assignments - 70% (14% x 5)The course includes a lab component in which students will apply much of what they learned in lecture. During the lab sessions students will work individually and in small groups to practice skills developed in class by creating maps or other geovisuals using specific GIS, visualization, or web-mapping software. All deliverables, as described in each lab assignment, should be submitted online before posted deadlines. Lab assignments will be assigned at the beginning of lab session and will be due before lab session of the following week.Critiques - best 4 of 5 | 30% (7.5% x 4)Every week students will be asked to critique a map or geovisualisation. In some cases, these will be professional maps, in other cases, they will be maps produced by your peers. These critiques serve to improve both your own geovisualisation and design abilities, and your ability to comprehend the maps by others. Each critique should be ~500 words and present a balanced discussion on the merits and faults of the assigned visualization. Critiques will be assigned at the end of lecture and must be submitted the following week before lecture starts.
Recommended textbook(s): Mapping for a sustainable world / Menno-Jan Kraak, Robert E. Roth, Britta Ricker, Ayako Kagawa and Guillaume Le Sourd. Available at: https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3898826?ln=en&v=pdf
Prerequisites: This course expects basic familiarity with GIS and spatial data concepts, such as coordinate systems, data models (e.g., vector/raster), and spatial data types (e.g., shapefiles). We do not assume any experience in cartographic design, although many students will have some basic background on the topic that we will level during our first two lectures. One of the following prerequisites for this course are required: GISC101, GEOG205, DIGI205, GISC422, or permission from the course coordinator.Restrictions: None
Domestic fee $1,213.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
This course will not be offered if less than 1 person applies to enrol.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment on the departments and faculties page .