Cartography refers to the art and science of map-making. Contemporary cartography is primarily accomplished using digital technologies including Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Mapping is crucial to exploring and understanding distributions of geographic phenomena. It is also an important phase of many database-intensive analyses, because a map is often the best way to visualize results and show them to others. Our emphases in this course will be on designing and producing both thematic and reference maps at multiple scales using symbols and visual hierarchies that allow the content of the maps to be effectively communicated and presented in aesthetically-pleasing and/or engaging ways. Topics covered include: significant eras in cartographic design, key historical and contemporary cartographers, map projections, symbolizing quantitative data, use of space, layout, compilation, verbal content, and the use of computer technology in the design and production of maps. Maps are often built from existing geospatial data and images created by government mapping programs and from GIS databases and remote-sensing software. Therefore, your lab work this semester will involve working with varied digital data sources in ArcGIS Pro which has sufficient design tools to allow excellence in cartographic production.
