GIS 318 Cartography and Geovisualization is the art and science of map making and map use. Preparation of high quality maps that readily reveal land management, planning, environmental or other concerns is critical to ensure that important messages are conveyed in an easily interpretable fashion. This course introduces the concepts and methods of cartographic communication, design, and geovisualization. Mapping fundamentals will address subjects such as coordinate systems, projections, datums, cartographic generalization, map types, and map design considerations. All cartographic principles and practices will be examined in relationship to GIS and other geospatial technologies. We will use ArcGIS software to complete most of the activities.
Prerequisites: Admission to ADGIS Program
Corequisite: GIS 302
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Apply principles of map design and mapping fundamentals including coordinate systems, projections, datums, measurement, scale, and terrain interpretation
- Identify and employ cartographic design principles (e.g., (colour, symbology, layout, etc.) and representation of spatial data in a variety of geovisualization contexts
- Identify and choose the type of map that will effectively meet the objectives of the cartographic product
- Employ 3D visualization techniques to represent spatial distributions of varied phenomena
- Perform basic geospatial data analyses as well as prepare and present cartographic products
Teaching and Learning Approach
Traditional lectures will be combined with practice in a laboratory setting. The concepts will then be applied to a
range of examples and exercises taken from the real world. Students will complete a term project, a midterm and
final as part of the assessment.Learning Resources
Required:
th
Peterson, G. 2025. 4 Edition. GIS Cartography: A Guide to Effective Map Design. CRC Press, FL, USA. ISBN
9781032871141Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. SEG and GIS Orientation activities
2. Introduction to cartography and visualization. Pitfalls of map- making
3. Introduction to cartographic design principles: Map layout and composition
4. Basic Cartographic Processes: Coordinate Systems and Map Projections
5. Cartographic Design: Symbols
6. Midterm Quiz Project planning for GIS Day
7. Thanksgiving
8. Project
9. Project
10. Project
11. Fall Term Study Break - no class
12. Cartographic Design: Text, Fonts and Annotation
13. Improving Design with Colour
14. Indigenization of Cartography and Exam Review
15. Final ExamAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Complete lab exercises | 1,2,3,4,5 | 35% |
| Midterm Quiz GIS Day poster and map project (collection | 1, 2, 3, 5 of data | 20% |
| group critiques, application of map design principles, self-assessment) | 1, 2, 3, 5 | 20% |
| Final Exam | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 90-100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 85-89 | A | 4.00 |
| 80-84 | A- | 3.67 |
| 76-79 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 72-75 | B | 3.00 |
| 68-71 | B- | 2.67 |
| 64-67 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 60-63 | C | 2.00 |
| 55-59 | C- | 1.67 |
| 50-54 | P | 1.00 |
| 0-49 | F | 0.00 |
| | DNW | 0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.