Instructor: Nicholas Chrisman, Prof. [chrisman@u]
TAs: Fred Dent [dent@u], Steve Hyde [sjh7@u], Muthatha Ramanathan
(muthatha@u)
5 credits, Lecture: 9:30-10:20 MWF (Thomson 101). Labs
meet in Smith Hall 401
Labs: AA
MW 10:30-11:20 , AB
MW 11:30-12:20 ; AC
MW 12:30-1:20, AD
TTh 9:30-10:20, AE
TTh 10:30-11:20, AF
TTh 11:30-12:20
This course provides an introduction to the art and science of cartography. It introduces the elements of graphic design, particularly as applied to thematic mapping. The survey includes general (topographic) and thematic mapping; two and three dimensional representation; the geometric and the aspatial (attribute) information portrayed with maps. It also uses computer technology to demonstrate the topics discussed. The techniques of computer programming behind digital cartography provide a new method to handle the structure of cartographic information and are worth study on their own. Students in 360 need have no prior exposure to cartography or to other mapping sciences (surveying, photogrammetry, photo interpretation, remote sensing). The course will make substantial use of computer equipment, but there is no requirement for computer programming background.
Students finishing this course should be able to read thematic and general maps with greater understanding of their messages. They should be able to assemble geographic information and choose an effective display. They should have a grasp of design issues in thematic cartography. This course is a foundation for other courses on the analytical use of spatial information.