Required Text:   Mark Monmonier, How to Lie with Maps.  2nd Edition.

PURPOSE AND ORGANIZATION
Maps, including both their creation and applications, are the focal point of the field of cartography.  Geography 330 is designed as an introduction to cartography as a science of communicating spatial information with maps.  This course focuses on the concepts and principles of cartography – especially with regard to symbolization strategies, cartographic perception, design methods, and applications.  While cartographic design principles will be learned in class, six cartography projects will allow you to directly apply your knowledge.  At the same time, you will learn a new skill, that of Adobe Illustrator software.  Some class periods will be used as labs to apply concepts presented in lectures and to introduce and explain new projects.  Come prepared to take good notes, because much of what you will learn in class is either presented differently in your book or is simply not presented at all.  Also, though some class periods will be devoted to assigned projects, most projects will require additional time on your part and will be completed outside of class.  Please plan to meet for lecture on Tuesdays in Room 135, and for lab on Thursdays, Room 34. We will not deviate from this schedule.

READING ASSIGNMENTS
     As you will discover, How to Lie With Maps is not a typical textbook (I'll call it your "text" anyway).  Instead, it is wonderfully written, very applied, and perhaps “fun” to read, as at least one past student commented. I will assign one or two chapters during most weeks, from which you will take written notes on key points and lessons. You will then submit your notes for credit, and you’ll even be able to use them during the exams! For these two reasons, your reading assignments are quite important! 

ASSIGNED PROJECTS
     Projects will be thoroughly explained in class when the time comes.  Because the six projects will vary in the amount of work required on your part, they will not be of equal value. All together, these projects will constitute the most vital part of this course, as you will be directly applying what you learn in class while learning to use Adobe Illustrator software.  You should be aware that a few mapping projects will require numerous hours outside of the classroom and will be meticulously graded. Not only will these projects train you in basic cartographic skills – skills still very important in this age of computers – but they will allow you to discover the "art" in Cartography – the creative aspect of the field.

STUDENT EVALUATION

The course consists of lectures, readings, laboratory exercises, assigned projects, a short presentation, two mid-term exams and a final exam.  Attendance will be taken during almost EVERY class period.  Everyone will have one free absence (for whatever reason), not including any classes that may be cancelled by the instructor (unlikely).  Each absence thereafter will result in a 10-point reduction.  A total of 750 points may be earned in the course.  These points are divided as follows:

Midterm Exam         130 pts  (17% of grade)
Final Exam        150 pts  (20%)
6 Projects        300 pts  (40%)
1 Presentation        50 pts     (7%)
12 Readings        120 pts     (16%)




LECTURE TOPIC SEQUENCE

ORIENTATION: MAP CHARACTERISTICS AND TYPES                 
MAP COMPILATION AND DATA SOURCES
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIABLES AND THEIR SPECIFICATIONS       
GENERALIZATION: LITTLE WHITE LIES…
GRAPHIC DESIGN
COMPONENTS OF GRAPHIC MAP DESIGN
CONTROLS OF GRAPHIC DESIGN
TYPOGRAPHY: ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
LETTERING OF MAPS: METHODS AND GUIDELINES
THEORY OF COLOR AND PATTERN
CHOOSING COLORS AND PATTERNS
CHOROPLETHIC MAPPING
DESIGNING A CHOROPLETH MAP
GRADUATED SYMBOL AND DOT MAPS
ISARITHMIC MAPPING


DAY                    TOPIC
   
Tues  Jan 13        Orientation to course; Map Characteristics and Types

Thurs  Jan 15        LAB: Assign Project 1; Intro to Adobe Illustrator


Tues  Jan 20        Intro to scanners and graphics with Jay Thompson
                        Map compilation and data sources

Thurs Jan 22        LAB: Assign Project 2. DUE: Project 1.


Tues  Jan 27        Geographical Variables

Thurs  Jan 29        LAB: Adobe Illustrator Tutorial


Tues  Feb 3        Generalization: Little white lies.

Thurs  Feb 5        LAB: Assign Project 3. DUE: Project 2


Tues  Feb 10        Typography: Elements of Design

Thurs  Feb 12        LAB: Adobe Illustrator Tutorial


Tues  Feb 17        Components and controls of graphic map design

Thurs  Feb 19        LAB: Adobe Illustrator Tutorial


Tues  Feb 24        Choroplethic mapping

Thurs  Feb 26        LAB: Assign Project 4. DUE: Project 3


Tues  Mar 2        Graduated Symbol and Dot maps

Thurs  Mar 4        LAB: Adobe Illustrator Tutorial


Tues  Mar 9        EXAM 1

Thurs  Mar 11        LAB: Assign Project 5. DUE: Project 4


Tues  Mar 16        SPRING BREAK

Thurs  Mar 18        SPRING BREAK


Tues  Mar 23        Theory of color and pattern

Thurs  Mar 25        LAB: Adobe Illustrator Tutorial


Tues  Mar 30        Theory of color and pattern

Thurs  Apr 1        LAB: Assign Project 6. DUE: Project 5


Tues  Apr 6        Applying color

Thurs  Apr 8        LAB: Adobe Illustrator Tutorial


Tues  Apr 13        Applying color

Thurs  Apr 15        LAB: Adobe Illustrator Tutorial


Tues  Apr 20        Prepare for presentations (complete lecture material)

Thurs  Apr 22        NO CLASS (GGR 574 field trip)


Tues  Apr 27        Student Presentations (DUE: Project 6)

Thurs  Apr 29        Student Presentations



Project 1    Tracing and Pen skills
Project 2    Projections
Project 3    Reference Map
Project 4    Choropleth Map
Project 5    Graduated Circle Map
Project 6    Current Events Map
 

GGR 330  Cartography
Reading Assignments
Spring 2004

INSTRUCTIONS: The schedule for reading assignments is listed below. For each chapter assigned (basically one each week), take short notes on important points and concepts so that you are capturing the main ideas of the author in each chapter. On the due date (Tuesdays), submit your chapter notes for that week, to obtain credit as specified in the syllabus.  I will return them to you so that you can study them for the next exam.  On exam day, you may use your graded reading notes ONLY while you complete the exam. I will ask rather general questions on the exams pertaining to the important points of the readings.


Jan 20         Chapter 1 due

Jan 27         Chapter 2 due

Feb 3         Chapter 3 due

Feb 10         Chapter 4 due

Feb 17         Chapter 5 due

Feb 24         Chapter 6 due

Mar 2         Chapter 7 due

Mar 9         EXAM 1 (Chapters 1-7)

Mar 16         SPRING BREAK!

Mar 23         Chapter 8 due

Mar 30         Chapter 9 due
               
Apr 6         Chapter 10 due

Apr 13         Chapter 11 due

Apr 20         Chapter 12 due

Apr 27         Student Presentations (Final project due)