GEOG 3053 Geographic Information Science: Mapping
Instructor Contact:
Dr. Rachel Isaacs
Email: rachel.isaacs@colorado.edu
About the Course:
This course is intended to introduce students to theory and practice of cartography and visualization. This course will teach students to learn, to think, and to communicate visually using a variety of GIS data. Activities and a final project will teach students to visually display and examine real-world data. Students will learn symbology, coordinate systems, map projections, topographic representations, interpolation, classification schemes, and to effectively visually communicate real-world data to scientific and general public audiences.
Objectives:
- Students will design and produce effective reference and thematic maps using GIS and graphic design software.
- Students will assess, interpret, and critique maps and related information graphics verbally.
- Students will understand and describe map design principals including: map projections, scale, location, documentation, and supporting materials.
- Students will create their own standalone print and web-based maps
- Students will present maps and other visual aid creations to classmates
Recommended Texts:
Brewer, C.A., 2016, Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users, second edition, Esri Press, Redlands CA, 231 pp (ISBN 978-1-58948-440-5).
Grading (out of n points):
| Assignments | Assignment Value |
| Weekly Activities | 15 pts x 12 = 180 |
| Discussion Posts | 10 pts x 14 = 140 |
| Final Paper Proposal | 25 pts |
| Final Project Story Map Drafts | 10 pts |
| Final Projects | 100 pts |
| Total | 455 pts |
** I reserve the right to change assignments (add/subtract) as we go based on class feedback, pace, and learning.