Professor: Dr. Michael Longan

Course Description

Cartography is the science and art of map making. In this class you will learn principles for creating good looking maps that immediately and effectively communicate spatial relationships to a reader.  You will apply those principles to make maps of your own.  You will also learn to critically analyze a variety of different kinds of maps and will have a greater understanding of the ethical issues involved in making maps. This class will likely be one of the most fun and practical courses you will take in geography.  Nevertheless, success in cartography requires hard work, practice, and attention to detail.  You will likely be frustrated in the beginning, but if you stick with it by practicing with the software on your own, reading and referring to your texts, and by asking questions of your professor and fellow students you will be making great looking maps in no time.  Unlike most classes where the emphasis is upon learning about something, the emphasis in cartography is upon learning how to do something.  In this way cartography has much in common with learning a musical instrument, learning to dance, or learning to play a sport.  Like these activities, cartography also involves both technical and artistic elements.  I hope that you will enjoy the challenge of making maps that are technically proficient as well as extraordinary expressions of creativity.

Course Goals

By the end of the course students will:

• Have a basic understanding of the history of nature of cartography.
• Understand and remember major principles of good cartographic design (symbolization, map elements, generalization, map projection, color use, visualization, etc.)
• Understand and remember major techniques for data classification.
• Understand and remember characteristics of the major types of thematic maps (qualitative, choropleth, proportional symbol, dot, cartogram, etc.) 
• Be able to use computer illustration and GIS software to construct maps or other graphics both professionally (for a publication, presentation, or research project, etc.) and in their daily lives (for a web site, wedding invitation, etc.)
• Apply principles of good cartographic design to create major types of thematic maps (choropleth, proportional symbol, dot, etc.)
• Be able to successfully translate specifications from a client into a completed map that meets the client’s specifications.
• Be able to critically evaluate maps and understand the extent to which maps do and do not constitute "objective" representations of the world.  
• Be able to manage a cartographic project from start to finish.
• Be able to recognize how cartography might be used to visualize problems in other subfields of geography and/or students' own majors or vocational fields. 
• Have a better appreciation for the maps that students encounter in their everyday lives and appreciate how they can use the skills learned in this class to enhance their own lives and of others.
• Understand ethical, social, and political issues in the use and construction of maps and practice ethical cartographic design.
• Care more about maps and about creating maps of high quality design and accuracy. 
• Know about sources of data for cartography (census, data depositories, collecting one's own data, etc.) and become independent cartographers.
• Learn how to learn to use software.

Required Texts.  There are two required texts and one optional text that you will need to purchase for this course: 

• Dent, Borden, Jeffrey Torguson, and Thomas Hodler.  2009. Cartography: Thematic Map Design 6^th Edition.  Boston: McGraw Hill.
• Monmonier, Mark.  1991.  How to Lie with Maps Second Edition.  Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
• A book on how to use Adobe Illustrator (Optional).  If you are someone who needs explicit instructions and would prefer them in a book form, then you may want to purchase a book on using Adobe Illustrator.  You should be able to find a good guide in most any bookstore that stocks computer help books.

Assignments

Reading.  Completing your reading assignment before class is essential to doing well. You should also bring your textbooks to class to use as a reference.  Labs will require you to apply what you have read, and discussions will require familiarity with the readings. If you have not done the reading and do not have your text to refer to in class, you will waste time making needless mistakes.  Most of the content of the course will be learned through your readings. Limited time in lectures will be spent on reviewing and expanding upon your reading. 

Map Assignments.   You will be making eight maps, including a final project. For each map project your client will be your professor.  You will be provided with a sheet of specifications for each project that you will need to carefully read and plan from.  Your most important task will be to meet and exceed your client’s high expectations for your work.  For the final map project you will propose a map, gather the data, and draft the map on your own.  In addition to the map, for each assignment you will be required to hand in:

• The map in both electronic and print form.
• A lab report commenting on the process of map construction
• A time sheet reporting your hours and the costs of map production.

Map of the Week Journal/Blog   Just as listening is important for learning to play music, looking at maps is important for learning cartography. Each week (for 10 out of 14 weeks) I want you to pick one map that you find compelling or interesting (for good or bad reasons). This map can come from any source at all.  If it is possible to clip the map or make a copy of it, do so. If not, you will need to provide a written description and a full citation for the source so that someone could go back and find it on their own. Write a short (1 page double spaced or more) critical commentary about the map addressing some of the following questions. Why do you like it (or not like it)? What is especially innovative (or mundane) about its design? Does it follow principles of good cartographic design? What flaws are there in its construction, if any? What message does it communicate (or fail to communicate)? Where does the map succeed or fail? What aspects of the map can you use in your own work? You may be asked to talk about your map in class and your map journal will be assessed at the midterm and at the end of the semester (five maps for each).  A map journal check has been scheduled midway through the first half of the semester to encourage you to keep up with your journal. I will be doing this assignment along with you by posting a maps in the classroom or in our Facebook Group.  You may keep your journal on paper or in the form of a blog either on the university’s web site or on Facebook via a Note that you add to. See http://blogs.valpo.edu/ for information on starting your own blog on the university web site.

Participation/Attendance and Un-graded Assignments   In addition to lectures, we will often discuss cartographic issues both in the classroom and online.  Your participation in these discussions is encouraged and expected.  Lack of attendance will hurt your participation grade.  This grade also includes participation in and completion of un-graded, in-class learning activities as well as any assignments you may be asked to do to prepare for class (find a map, collect some data, etc.) that will be essential for participating in a class activity.  

Exams.  There will be two exams in this course largely over the material from lecture, discussions, and your readings.  Make up exams will only be given in case of an illness, family emergency, or school activity.  Please plan to take the final exam at the scheduled time unless you have three or more exams on one day.

Grading

Your grade will be based on the following assignments:

Maps

·    Map I: Introduction to Illustrator                               20 points

·    Map II: Qualitative Thematic Map of Afghanistan    20 points

·    Map III: Cartogram                                                    20 points

·    Map IV: Choropleth                                                   20 points

·    Map V: Proportional Symbol                                      20 points

·    Map VI: TBA (Map Animation, 3-D, or Flow)          20 points

·    Map VII: Final Project                                                40 points

Exams

·    Midterm                                                                      20 points

·    Final                                                                            20 points

Other

·    Map Journal                                                                20 points (10 for each part)

·    Participation/Un-graded                                             10 points
& In Class Assignments                                 

Total                                                                                        230 points

 

Unless an unusual distribution of grades occurs, your grade will be determined using the following scale:

A	214-230	B	191-199	C	168-176	D	144-153
A-	207-213	B-	184-190	C-	161-167	D-	138-143
B+	200-206	C+	177-183	D+	154-160	F	137 and below

 

Course Policies

Website, E-mail list, Facebook The course web site will be an important tool for this class.  An updated schedule will be kept there as well as links to data sources, sources of help, and example maps.  Check the "What's New" section often for the latest announcements about the course.  In addition, we will use the e-mail list for the class for announcements and to discuss strategies for completing your project.  The Facebook group is a good place to ask for help from other students, or to post links to interesting maps or articles you find online. If you have a question about a project, you should send it to the list or post it on Facebook.  It is likely you won't be the only student with the same question.

Standards and Criteria for Assignments The following are general standards and criteria that will be used to assess your work in this course.  Work that meets these standards will receive a high grade.  Work that falls short of these standards will receive a lower grade.  Careful work and attention to detail will help you meet these standards.

• Maps should be complete, including all elements asked for in the specifications.
• Maps should exhibit principles of good cartographic design.
• Maps should effectively communicate a clear message.
• Maps should be free of errors (in drafting, spelling and grammar, and in data classification)
• Maps should exhibit individual creativity while also fulfilling the specifications of the assignment.
• Maps should cite the sources of their data.
• All writing should be polished and professional, free of mechanical errors, and sources from which ideas are taken should be cited.
• All assignments should be turned in complete, neatly presented, and on time. 

Software and the GIS Lab   We will be using Adobe Illustrator and GIS software for most of the assignments in this course.  While you will have plenty of time to work during class, most of you will still need to spend time working on your assignments outside of class time.  The lab is reserved until 2:00 on TR for Cartography and there is open time from 2:00-5:00 Monday through Friday (refer to the posted schedule).  Unfortunately the lab is used for classes at other times and the building is closed on weekends and late at night when I know many of you would prefer to work.  During those times Illustrator is available in the Advanced Media Lab in the Christopher Center. You may purchase Illustrator with an academic discount but it is expensive to do so. Similar vector based illustration programs (Corel Draw, Freehand, etc.) or free or low cost GIS software may also be available at a lower cost but you will need to hand in your final maps in Illustrator or PDF format.

The GIS lab will become your home away from home this semester; however that does not mean that it will be just like your home.  Please observe the following lab rules:

• Keep the door to the lab closed.  Do not leave the lab unattended. Do not let people who have not had their hand scanned into the lab.
• Do not open the window. 
• Turn off the lights in the lab when you are done.
• Please pick up any trash you see (even if it is not your own) and straighten up the lab before you leave.
• Please do not bring food or drink into the lab.  Enjoy food and drink in the pleasant lobby areas in Schnabel or in Kallay-Christopher.
• If you encounter a problem with a computer or with specific software notify your instructor so that the problem can be addressed appropriately. 
• If you have a general problem or need help contact the IT help desk via e-mail at it.helpdesk@valpo.edu or by phone at 5678. 
• If you use the printer and it does not print your document the first time, please do not try printing again.  Either wait for the output, or try printing at another location.  Please do not press buttons on the printer or adjust the printer yourself. 
• Your access expires at the end of the semester.  If you want to continue to be able to access the lab after the semester is over please see Rusta Ault in the Geo/Met office to arrange for hand scanning.

The lab has a scanner that you may use.  The department also has a color ink-jet printer. You should use the grayscale printer in the lab for most of your preliminary output, though some of the time it is not up to the task. 

 

File Storage and Organization The files that you will be handling in this class will be big and therefore IT has provided you with an individual directory on the G drive under GEO 225-Fall 2009.  Store your files for this class there.  If you copy files to the computer to do your work, be sure that you do not leave your work on a computer expecting it to still be there when you come back. Saving often is also highly recommended.  Data for some of the projects will be available to you in the GEO 225 folder on the G drive.  You will also turn in electronic copies of your assignment using the homework folder in the GEO 225 folder on the G drive to which you will be given write only access. After you turn in a project, send your professor an e-mail so that he can check to make sure that you have successfully handed in your project.

Many students find it challenging to keep track of the files for their projects.  Here are some tips:

• For each project create a separate directory and store all your files in it.
• Save different versions of your project as you reach a good stopping point so you can go back to an earlier version if you have difficulties.
• If you start to run out of space, delete old project files that you can re-copy from the GEO 225 folder and previous versions of your project that you are not going to use anymore.
• Save an electronic and paper copy of all your final maps and make a backup for the future! Your directory on the G drive is set to be deleted after the end of the semester so you should back up all of your files after the class is over.  You will want to save your maps for your senior portfolio, for future reference, or to show potential employers.

Teaching Philosophy for Learning Cartographic Tools   Learning cartography using computers is much like learning how to write except that you start off not knowing how to use a pen.  One goal of this class is to help you learn how to learn how to use software.  The ability to learn software on your own is an important skill to have for a workplace where the pace of technological change means that you will frequently need to retrain yourself to use new technologies in order to remain competitive.  Toward this end, I will not always provide you with a step-by-step worksheet that tells you exactly how to accomplish a task with the software.  I will certainly get you started but I also want you to be a self-directed learner and to seek out the resources that you need to learn how to use the software used in this class.  I will act as a coach and pass along tips and tricks.  Do not be afraid to ask for help or encouragement.  At the same time, you will want to use the help files, the software support web sites, and if necessary books on the software we are using to help you figure things out on your own.  I will teach you how to create great maps.  Learning how to use software to make great maps is largely your concern.  

Policy on Late Work   You must deliver your product to your client on time!  Ask for help early!  Due dates are included in bold on the schedule below.  If because of circumstances beyond your control (sickness, death in the family, etc.) you need more time to complete an assignment please see me ahead of time (at least a day in advance) to ask for an extension.  Extensions may or may not be granted depending upon the circumstances.  If you must hand in something late, include a written explanation for why the assignment was late.  Your assignment may or may not be accepted for full or reduced credit.

Policy on Attendance Your on-time attendance at all class sessions is expected and required. I will not be taking formal attendance for a grade, but will factor your attendance into your overall participation grade.  Nevertheless, not attending will significantly lower your grade. You cannot participate in discussions if you are not there and you will find it impossible to do the assignments if you do not attend.  Neither your textbook nor my written instructions will provide you with enough information to successfully create a map on your own.  The lab sessions are your opportunity to find out about the requirements for each assignment and to get help from me.  You will need help!  You will miss essential information and announcements given at the beginning of the period if you are late to class. 

Accommodations for students with disabilities If you have specific physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities and require accommodations please let me know during the first week of class so that your learning needs may be appropriately met.  All discussions will remain confidential. Students with color vision impairment should consult with the instructor for strategies for successfully using color in cartography.

Authorized Aid and the Honor Code.  The Honor Code will be upheld in this course.  Authorized aid in this class will be limited to your own personal knowledge during exams and your own work on all written and cartographic exercises.  You should discuss readings and assignments with classmates but your writing and cartographic work should be your own.  You are encouraged to use the services of the writing center and you should have someone else proofread or offer suggestions on your written assignments before handing them in. You are also encouraged to have someone proofread your maps and evaluate your maps before you hand them in. 

 You must use quotation marks for direct quotes, cite your sources, and include a list of works cited in written and cartographic work.  Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism and may be considered unauthorized aid because you are essentially representing someone else’s work as your own. Many first year students mistakenly believe that it is OK to cut and paste text from web sites into their papers without providing both quotation marks and a proper citation.  Web sites are no different from any other source and need to be cited fully.  Please refer to a writing guide for details on proper methods of citation (you should have bought one for your first year core class).  Please ask if you do not understand methods of citation since not citing or improperly citing your sources can lead to Honor Code violations. Finally sharing your papers written for this class or maps constructed for this class with others on the Internet without notifying the professor first or downloading a paper or map produced by others to hand in (either in part or in their entirety) and representing it as your own work constitutes unauthorized aid. 

 

Course Organization and Schedule

The course consists of lecture/discussion sessions and lab sessions.  Lecture/discussion sessions provide you with the information you need to successfully learn the content of the course and to construct maps during the lab sessions.  We will usually use the first 50 minutes of class for lecture or discussion and the second 50 minutes of class for lab activities.  The course starts with an introduction to basic cartographic ideas.  The second section of the course focuses upon elements of good cartographic design. The third section of the course concerns projections and data classification.  The final section of the course focuses on basic and advanced mapping techniques though we focus on a variety of mapping techniques throughout the course.  Unlike a more traditional class, the order of topics in the course is driven by what you need to know to complete each map assignment, therefore expect to read chapters in your text out of order and to use the text as a reference. 

Below is the proposed schedule for the course.  It is a very ambitious schedule including up to seven different maps. You will need to spend time outside of class to complete almost all of your assignments.  The schedule is rather heavy on reading and lecturing towards the beginning but towards the end of the course you will mostly be "doing." Please factor this in as you plan your semester.