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Introduction
to Maps and Cartographic Methods
Geography 2552 Instructor: Scott Freundschuh |
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Course
Objectives
Geography 2552 is a non-technical course introducing the fields of cartography and other mapping sciences such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). Emphasis is put on appreciation of maps and map-like images, rather than on the professional techniques of map production and other related activities. The purpose of the course is two fold: on the one hand, it provides a general orientation to mapping techniques for students in any discipline, and on the other, geography 2552 is the basic course in the sequence of cartography, GIS and remote sensing and therefore, important for students majoring in geography and specializing in the mapping sciences. In this class, we will define a map and consider maps as tools for communication. We will explore the effects of scale, projection, cartographic symbolization and generalization on the mapping process. We will compare spatial data models and types of spatial data, and explore how classification and symbolization methods influence the representation of spatial data. Lastly, we will look at alternative, or non-traditional map representations. Prerequisites There are no prerequisites for this course, other than an open mind and a willingness to consider that maps are more than what's printed on paper. Textbook The text for this course is Map Use: Reading, Analysis and Interpretation, 5rd Edition, by Muehrcke & Muehrcke. Office My office is located in 328 Cina Hall. Phone is 726-6226-use only in emergencies!!!!! Email is sfreunds. Course Evaluation In class Assignments (at least 7) 25% (distributed evenly across the assignments) Semester Exams (3) 75% (25% for each exam) Exams are composed of matching, fill-in the blanks, sketching, calculations, definitions, short answer problems. I do not give T/F or multiple "guess" exams. NOTE1: I do not
give make-up exams nor do I accept late assignments unless you have a
verifiable illness (i.e., a doctor's note). This is a departmental policy. |
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Preliminary
Course Outline
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| Class |
Lecture
Topic & Reading
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Reading |
| week 1 | Official
"I'm a bonehead" lecture, introduction to course what is a map?....and why should we care? |
pp.
1-13
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| week 2 | mapping
as a behavior and process mental maps, distortions is mental maps dividing up Earth (geographical data) from round to flat (projection surface) |
pp.
35-53 |
| week 3 | map projections
(projection surface, cont: spatial properties map projections cont. (spatial properties, cont) |
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| week 4 | hey buddy,
let's see you find this! (locational reference systems) locational reference systems, cont) this land is my land (land partitioning systems) |
pp.
215-232
pp. 232-242 |
| week 5 | (land
partioning systems cont.) midterm I from really big to really small features in the world |
pp.
21-32
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| week 6 | review
midterm I; from world to map: what do all those lines, dots and colors mean anway? (cartographic generalization, cont) |
pp.
55-84
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| week 7 | map scale attribute and distribution maps (qualitative information) statistical maps, time and maps (quantitative information) |
pp.
536-545
pp. 130-140 pp. 141-178 |
| week 8 | map
oooooopses... maps, maps, and more maps! |
pp.
416-428
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| week 9 | misleading
with maps review for midterm II midterm II |
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| week 10 | review
midterm II;
terrain and topographic maps terrain and topographic maps (cont) |
pp.
100-128
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| week 11 | maps and
human environment environmental interactions |
pp.
455-470
pp. 471-495 |
| week 12 | digital
cartography, models of the world multimedia maps map animation |
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| week 13 | maps and the internet |
pp.
201-211
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| week 14 | geographic
information science (GIScience) GIScience (cont) |
pp.
398-415
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| week 15 | remote
sensing remote sensing (cont) course summary |
pp.
547-584
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