Cartography Course

Lesson 1 • Cartographic Communication Principles

Introduces semiotics and visual hierarchy as the basis of effective map design. Students apply these principles to evaluate existing maps critically.

Lesson 2 • Core Map Types and Functions

Distinguishes reference, thematic, and navigational maps by purpose and audience. Enables students to select the correct map type for a given communication goal.

Lesson 3 • History and Evolution of Maps

Traces mapmaking from ancient clay tablets to digital platforms. Grounds students in how cartographic purpose and technology have co-evolved over centuries.

Lesson 1 • Projected Coordinate Systems

Introduces plane coordinate grids derived from geographic coordinates. Students connect projected systems to the map projections covered in the next chapter.

Lesson 2 • Shape and Size of the Earth

Covers geoid, ellipsoid, and sphere models used to approximate Earth's form. Establishes why no single model is perfect and how choice affects measurement accuracy.

Lesson 3 • Geographic Coordinate Systems

Explains latitude, longitude, and elevation as a three-dimensional reference framework. Students practice reading and recording coordinates in multiple notation formats.

Lesson 1 • Conic and Azimuthal Projections

Examines Albers, Lambert Conformal Conic, and azimuthal families suited to mid-latitude and polar regions. Students match projection families to geographic extents.

Lesson 2 • Cylindrical Projections

Covers Mercator, Transverse Mercator, and cylindrical equal-area variants. Students analyze where each performs well and where distortion becomes unacceptable.

Lesson 3 • Distortion Properties and Trade-offs

Explains the four distortion types—shape, area, distance, direction—and why all projections compromise at least one. Students use Tissot's indicatrix to visualize distortion patterns.

Lesson 4 • Projection Selection Workflow

Provides a decision framework linking map extent, purpose, and audience to projection choice. Students apply the workflow to real mapping scenarios.

Lesson 1 • Primary Data Collection Methods

Covers field surveying, GPS/GNSS capture, and remote sensing as direct data sources. Students understand accuracy, cost, and coverage trade-offs of each method.

Lesson 2 • Data Quality and Metadata

Defines accuracy, precision, completeness, consistency, and currency as quality dimensions. Students write and interpret metadata records to support reproducible mapping.

Lesson 3 • Raster and Vector Data Models

Contrasts raster grids and vector features as the two fundamental spatial data structures. Students convert between models and identify which suits each cartographic task.

Lesson 4 • Secondary and Open Data Sources

Surveys authoritative government datasets, open repositories, and crowdsourced platforms. Students learn to evaluate source credibility and licensing constraints.

Lesson 1 • Web Map Publishing

Introduces tile services, web map frameworks, and cloud publishing platforms for online delivery. Students publish an interactive map accessible via a browser.

Lesson 2 • GIS Interface and Core Tools

Orients students to the GIS workspace: panels, toolbars, map canvas, and attribute tables. Proficiency here underpins all subsequent production tasks.

Lesson 3 • Map Layout and Print Composition

Builds complete map layouts with all required elements using the print composer environment. Students produce a publication-quality PDF map as a deliverable.

Lesson 4 • Symbolization and Layer Styling

Covers single-symbol, categorized, graduated, and rule-based renderers for vector data. Students style thematic layers to communicate spatial patterns clearly.

Lesson 1 • Multivariate and Bivariate Maps

Combines two or more variables in a single map using bivariate color matrices and layered symbols. Students assess cognitive load and design for interpretability.

Lesson 2 • Choropleth Map Design

Covers data normalization, classification schemes, and color ramp selection for area-based thematic maps. Students produce a choropleth map and justify every design decision.

Lesson 3 • Dot Density and Isarithmic Maps

Explains dot placement logic and contour interpolation for continuous surface representation. Students choose between methods based on data type and distribution.

Lesson 4 • Flow and Network Maps

Designs maps showing movement, migration, and connectivity using arrows and desire lines. Students encode direction, volume, and origin-destination relationships visually.

Lesson 1 • Hillshading and Relief Techniques

Covers analytical hillshading, multidirectional shading, and hypsometric tinting for visual terrain depiction. Students combine techniques to produce compelling relief maps.

Lesson 2 • Three-Dimensional Visualization

Drapes imagery and thematic data over terrain models for perspective and oblique views. Students export 3D scenes as static images and interactive web scenes.

Lesson 3 • Terrain Derivatives and Analysis

Derives slope, aspect, curvature, and viewshed from DEMs for analytical cartography. Students interpret terrain derivatives to support land-use and hazard mapping.

Lesson 4 • Contour Line Mapping

Teaches contour generation, interval selection, and index contour styling for topographic maps. Students produce a contour map that communicates slope and landform clearly.

Lesson 1 • Map Critique and Peer Review

Provides a structured rubric for evaluating accuracy, design, and communication effectiveness in finished maps. Students conduct and receive formal peer critiques.

Lesson 2 • Typography and Text Hierarchy

Establishes rules for typeface selection, size scaling, spacing, and placement across map feature classes. Students apply a typographic system to a complex reference map.

Lesson 3 • Color Theory for Cartographers

Applies hue, saturation, and lightness principles to map color schemes, including accessibility for color-vision deficiencies. Students audit and redesign a map's color palette.

Lesson 4 • Portfolio Map Production

Integrates all course skills into a capstone map series demonstrating range and mastery. Students present and defend their portfolio to an expert panel.