Cartography is a synthesis of science, techniques, and art.  This course introduces students to cartographic design and principles.  The lectures will emphasize the construction of maps with modern methods by using computers and GIS software.  The map construction includes scale, projections, generalization, symbols, classification, color scheme, and visualization.  The lab exercises will provide hands-on experiences and equip students with the fundamental skills for advanced GIS courses and computer mapping.  Besides the basic training in cartographic techniques, the major goals of this class are to:

1.      Understand the principles of cartographic design and map construction.

2.      Generate maps with appropriate cartographic skills.

3.      Encourage students to explore advanced cartographic issues, such as visualization, on-line mapping, and cognitive science.

Required Textbooks:

Dent, B. D., Torguson, J. S., and Hodler, T. W. (2009),  Cartography:  Thematic Map Design, 6^th ed., New York, McGraw-Hill.

Tsou, M. 2008, Lecture notes for GEOG381: Computerized Map Design (Maps and Graphic Methods)

Additional readings are available on the digital archive of  Y:(Twister_g381)/readings folder. (in SAL lab) and the On-line ECR (Electronic Reserves & Reserves Pages).

Lectures:

Lectures focus on the introduction of principles of cartographic design, including map construction, projection, visualization, generalization, and uncertainty.

Lab Exercises:

Students must attend and sign-in for each lab session, meeting twice every week. Lab exercises focus on the training of cartographic skills by using Freehand computer drawing software and the ArcGIS software package.  Students are required to attend full lab periods to receive a passing grade.  To encourage good attendance, TWO points will be taken off the whole course final grade for EACH missed lab.   Lab assignments are due at the beginning (8:00am) of the lab due day.  Late assignments will be docked 20% per day, and will be effective at the lab on the due date.  Students must hand in all assignments by 5pm, December 15, 2009 to receive a passing grade (D- or above) regardless of how many points have been docked.

Grading:          Class participation (lectures): 5%;       Lab exercises: 50%; 

                        Midterm Exam: 20%;                          Final Exam: 25%

WEEK                         LECTURE                                   READING               LAB EXERCISE

Additional Readings: (located in Storm Hall 319 or on-line http://ecr.sdsu.edu/  à Electronic Reserves & Reserves Pages -à type “GEOG381”  à password:  ______________   

(Electronic version is also available in the SAL lab network drive Y:/Readings/ folder)

Brewer, C. A. 1994 Color Use Guidelines for Mapping and Visualization. In MacEachren, A. M. and Taylor, D.R.F. (eds.) Visualization in Modern Cartography. New York: Elsevier: 123-147.

Buttenfield, B. P. 1999 Visualizing Ecological Uncertainty. Chapter 6 in Hunsaker, C., Goodchild, M.F., Friedl, M. and Case, T. (Eds.) Uncertainty in Spatial Data for Ecological Analyses. New York: Springer-Verlag.

Evans, I.S. 1977 The Selection of Class Intervals. Transactions, Institute of British Geographers, 2: 98-124.

Fisher, W.D. 1958 On Grouping for Maximum Homogeneity. Journal of the American Statistical Association, vol. 53(Dec): 789-798.

Imhoff, E. 1975 Positioning Names on Maps. The American Cartographer, vol. 2(2): 128-144.