Model Course Outline: Cartographic Design

Author: Ann Johnson Last Update: April 9, 2018

Overview: The following is a course proposal for a 3 to 5 credit hour (lecture and lab) introductory geospatial technology skills course focused on Cartographic Design. The content of the course outline is based upon the Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM), MetaDACUM and outcomes from a model course outline workshops conducted in March, 2012.

Course Title: Cartographic Design

Optional Titles: Cartography, Introduction to Cartography, Cartography and Visualization: Concepts, Analysis, Presentation, Communication

Course Description: This course introduces fundamental cartographic concepts. Successful students will be able to employ design principles to create and edit effective visual representations of data (e.g. maps, graphs and diagrams) in different formats (e.g. hardcopy, digital, web). Specific topics include the ethical and appropriate application of map scale, map projections, generalization and symbolization. Course content is based upon the United States Department of Labor’s Geospatial Technology Competency Model for entry level geospatial occupations including Geospatial or GIS Technicians and Technologists.

Pre-requisites: An introductory course in GIS such as Introduction to Geospatial Technology or consent of instructor. Recommend one additional course such as Spatial Analysis or Data Acquisition and Management.

Computer Lab Requirement: A computer with professional-grade geospatial software and an internet connection. Recommended to include design and productivity software (e.g.: Photoshop, Illustrator, web content management software).

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):

1. Categorize and describe different types of maps (thematic, reference…) and be able to give examples of how they are used. 2. Describe the components of a map (map elements). 3. Employ an appropriate geographic referencing system (datum, projection, coordinate system) for a given purpose. 4. Select and apply ethical and appropriate data model, map scale, map elements, symbolization and color to produce maps that effectively communicate quantitative and qualitative geographic data. 5. Design professional quality maps, including map elements such as text, graphs, charts and diagrams, employing cartographic principles. 6. Produce maps and related products in a variety of formats (hardcopy, digital and web). 7. Critique maps for appropriate use of cartographic design principles. * See the example SLO Evaluation Rubric included with the course pack.

Course Objectives

All objectives from the GTCM Course Content Survey are listed in the outline beginning on the next page. For this course, each objective is listed with the scale below:

0 = Not important for this course, do not include in this course 1 = Slightly important for this course, include only if time permits Representative Activities: discussed as part of a lecture or reading assignment; less than 1 class 2 = Important for this course, include at an awareness level Representative Activities: Dedicated lecture and/or writing assignment; test questions; 1 or more classes 3 = Very Important for this course, include at some level above awareness Representative Activities: Scripted practical project; test working problems or essay; 1 week or more 4 = Critically important for this course, must be included in depth Representative Activities: Open-ended project or integration into larger project; research paper or defense; 2 weeks or more

All objectives in the outline are grouped into one of ten component categories identified by industry as essential components of the occupation of Geospatial Technician.

A Manage Data B Generate Data C Process Data D Analyze Data E Manage Software F Manage Projects G Generate Products H Professional Development I Programming (no competencies identified) J Other (no competencies identified Proposed Course Competencies:

The committee recommended that the class include the following objectives (competencies) and ranked each by the Score based on the scale above. Each competency is also keyed to a Unit Objective:

Unit Category Score Competency Description Objectives Explain how map scale affects data collection and A MANAGE DATA 2 management 2, 3 3 Define data requirements (format, projections, etc.) 2, 3 Evaluate how to verify spatial data accuracy, quality, 2 compatibility and appropriateness for application 3, 4 3 Research and evaluate data sources 3 Describe the characteristics and appropriate uses of common coordinate systems, projections, Datums and 4 geoids 2 Explain the relationship of horizontal datums to coordinate system grids and geometrix approximations of Earth's 3 shape 2 2 Describe different data formats (Vector, Raster, TIN, etc.) 3 Apply appropriate data formats (Vector, Raster, TINs, 3 Imagery) 2 Acquire data 3 Critique the design of a given map in light of its intended 4 audience and purpose 9 Acquire and integrate a variety of field data, image data, vector data, and attribute data to create, update, and 1 maintain GIS databases 2 B GENERATE DATA 1 Input Data 2 Apply appropriate map scale when creating or acquiring 4 data 2, 3 1 Digitize data (tablet or heads up) 3 Perform data format conversions (vector to raster, raster to 2 vector) 3 1 Post / reconcile edits (e.g. changes) 5 2 Create/update metadata 3 1 Define data’s spatial reference 2 2 Transform spatial data (e.g. reprojections) 2, 3 4 Apply appropriate projections 2 Describe different methods of indicating locations (e.g., 2 decimal degrees, UTM) 2 2 Convert data between formats (e.g. KML, XML, RSS) (Adv.) 3 Conduct Geoprocessing (e.g. clip, buffering, overlay, run 1 models, map algebra) 5 D ANALYZE DATA 3 Interpret Results from analysis (is it appropriate/good) 5 2 Pre-process Data (e.g. generalize, subset) 2, 3, 5 Employ cartographic techniques to represent different kinds of uncertainty, including uncertain boundary locations, transitional boundaries, and ambiguity of 3 attributes 5, 6, 7 E MANAGE SOFTWARE 3 Choose and Implement a Solution 8, 10, 11 3 Generate Alternatives 8, 9, 10 2 Apply principles of geography to projects 1, 2 Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills when 3 developing a project 9, 11 3 Conform to policy and standards 11 Describe how copyright laws may apply to data and 3 projects 3, 11 2 Define project Deliverables 8, 11 4 Describe purpose and use of maps 1 Describe different types of maps (e.g., road, terrain, 4 choropleth) 1 Describe and apply appropriate symbology, fonts and 4 colors 5, 6, 7 4 Determine appropriate map scale 2, 3, 4, 5 F MANAGE PROJECTS 4 Recognize and apply cartographic conventions 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 10 4 Design Cartographic Elements 4, 10 4 Create maps using cartographic principles 1, 4, 5, 8, 9 3 Perform Graphic Design 4, 8, 9 4 Create reference maps (e.g. streets) 8, 10, 11 4 Create thematic maps (e.g. zoning) 8, 10, 11 4 Create static and interactive maps 8, 10, 11 4 Design map layouts 2, 4, 5 3 Create map templates 8, 10 Create graphic items (e.g. logos, headers, posters, exhibits) 3 (E,C) 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 3 Resolve spatial conflicts. 3, 5, 6 4 Demonstrate knowledge of map Interpretation. 1, 9, 11 4 Acknowledge contributors and copyrights 11 4 Adhere to purpose and use of maps 1, 9 4 Determine appropriate scale and projection 2, 5 3 Select proper media/output device 10 1 Create reports on analysis, project status, outcomes, etc. 10, 11 3 Create charts, graphs, tables 8,10, 11 2 Create and present geospatial projects 11 2 Create animations (e.g. 3D, 4D) 10 2 Present project summary 11 2 Provide information presentations 11 G GENERATE PRODUCTS 1 Disseminate information through a web site 10 1 Manage Web Content 10 3 Publish Map Products 10 1 Load/Burn Data onto Media 10 3 Publish spatial information on-line 10 1 Communicate with peers, clients, co-workers 9, 10, 11 3 Present ideas clearly and concisely. 11 Participate in professional organizations, workshops and 1 conferences 11 1 Research GIS Technology Trends 1 Describe how a code of ethics may be part of a geospatial 3 profession 1, 2 Identify legal, ethical, and business considerations of 2 geospatial data 3, 6, 7, 8, 11 Demonstrate understanding of the conceptual foundations 1 on which geographic information systems (GIS) are based 1 H. PROFESSIONAL Demonstrate a working knowledge of GIS hardware and DEVELOPMENT 1 software capabilities, including GPS/GIS mapping systems 1 Identify spatial patterns; apply knowledge of how people 1 and places are linked 8, 10, 11 1 Utilize internet an email applications 11 2 Utilize online help and other technical resources 11 Number Operations and Computation - addition, 1 subtraction, multiplication, and division 3 Number Systems and Relationships - whole numbers, 1 decimals, fractions, and percentages 5 Measurement and Estimation - measurement of time, temperature, distances, length, width, height, perimeter, area, volume, weight, velocity, and speed; unit conversion; numerical analysis to obtain approximate solutions when 1 necessary 2, 3, 5 Apply geographic information relating to the Human– Environment Interaction,Regional Geography, Physical 1 Geography, Cultural Geography 1, 11 Geometry - size, shape, and position of features using 1 geometric principles to solve problems 2, 3 1 Use Writing and Publishing Applications 11 I. PROGRAMMING No competencies

Below are the Units in a suggested order for the Cartographic Design Model Course. Each has a suggested description of objectives and a link to the Student Learning Outcomes. The Unit Objectives can be accomplished as part of a lecture or hands on lab exercise or a combination. Units Unit Objectives (Student Learning Outcomes) 1. Introduction to Cartographic Students will learn the basics of cartographic design and be able to Design describe the different types of maps and how each is used. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the history of cartography and future trends including how GIS can be used to create maps (SLO 1)

2. Geographic referencing Students will learn how to select and employ appropriate geographic system and base map design referencing system parameters and base maps. Students will learn how different projections, coordinate systems and datums can affect map design and accuracy of map products. (SLO 3, 5)

3. Data for A Map: Data needs Students will learn how to create, locate, acquire, and manage and databases for different different types of data (vector, raster, imagery) and databases for map types, map scales and different types of maps and maps scales including metadata. (SLO 4, generalization. 5)

4. Map elements and design Students will learn how to select and employ appropriate map principles elements and design principles for different types of maps and audiences. (SLO 2, 4, 5 6)

5. Use of appropriate data models, geoprocessing Students will learn how to select and apply appropriate data models techniques, generalization and perform geoprocessing (analysis) including generalization for and map scale different map types and map scales. (SLO 3, 4, 5)

6. Map symbology Students will learn how to select and apply appropriate symbology to create maps that accurately and effectively communicate the desired information for different map types and output formats (SLO 1, 3, 4, 5, 6) 7. Color and Pattern Creation Students will learn how to select and apply appropriate colors and patterns to create effective communication of data for different map types and output formats. (SLO 4) 8. Designing professional Students will learn how to create professional quality maps using quality maps appropriate cartographic design principles and graphic elements. (SLO 4, 5, 6)

9. Critique maps for different Students will learn how critically evaluate cartographic design and use map types and audiences of map elements and symbology for different map types and audiences. (SLO 4, 7)

10. Production of maps and Students will learn about different types of map products and output related products in different formats. Students will learn how employ selected types of output output formats formats and produce maps using that format. (SLO 5, 6) 11. Final Project Students will learn how to create an ethical and appropriate map (including acquisition of data, documentation, determination of projection and type of map, map elements, symbolization, graphic elements and use of cartographic design principles) for a given audience employing one or more product output formats. (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Textbooks: 1) Kimerling, A. Jon, Aileen R. Buckley, Phillip C. Muehrcke, and Juliana O. Muehrcke. 2011. Map Use: Reading, Analysis, Interpretation , Seventh Edition. Redlands, CA: Esri Press, 581 pages, ISBN: 978-1-58948-279-1. 2) Slocum, Terry, Robert B. McMaster, Fritz C. Kessler, and Hugh H. Howard. 2009. Thematic Cartography and Geovisualization, Third Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 561 pages, ISBN-10: 0-132-29834-1, ISBN-13: 978-0-13-22984-6.

Other Books (reference):  Brewer, Cynthia A. 2008. Designed Maps: A Sourcebook for GIS Users. Redlands, CA: Esri Press, 170 pages, ISBN: 978-1-589-48160-2.  Brewer, Cynthia A. 2005. Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users. Redlands, CA: Esri Press, 202 pages, ISBN-10: 1-589-48089-9, ISBN-13: 978-1-589-48089-6.  Krygier, John, and Denis Wood. 2005. Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS. New York: The Guilford Press, 303 pages, ISBN: 1-593-85200-2.  Monmonier, Mark, and H. J. De Blij. 1996. How to Lie with Maps, Second Edition. Chicago, IL: University Of Chicago Press, 207 pages, ISBN-10: 0-226-53421-9, ISBN-13: 978-0-226-53421-3. Also available as an e-book.  Robinson, Arthur H. 2010. The Look of Maps: An Examination of Cartographic Design. Redlands, CA: Esri Press, 124 pages, ISBN-13: 978-1-58948-262-3. Also available as an e- book.

Academic and Scientific Journals:  Cartography and Geographic Information Science, the journal of CaGIS; one of the three journals of ICA  Cartographica, the journal of CCA; one of the three journals of ICA  The Cartographic Journal, the journal of BCS; one of the three journals of ICA  Cartographic Perspectives, the journal of NACIS  Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, the journal of ASPRS  The Journal of Maps, an online journal of maps