MODERN CARTOGRAPHY/SURE 329
Fall, 1999/00 (3 Credit Hours)
On-Line Syllabus

Instructor: Robert Burtch
Office: Johnson Hall 409
Office Phone: 591-2634
Office Hours: M 4:00-4:50, T 12:00-12:50, W 4:00-4:50, TH 12:00-12:50
E-Mail: robert_c_burtch@ferris.edu
rburtch@netonecom.net

PREREQUISITE COURSES: Basic Computer Literacy

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

  • Explores concepts of cartography as graphical means of communication. The role of mapping in modern society, classes of maps, general and thematic maps, charts, are discussed. History of cartography, map simplification, classification, symbolization, and generalization are discussed. Other topics include map design, color and pattern, typography and lettering, and computer mapping.
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    COURSE OBJECTIVE/FOCUS:

  • The objective of this course is to give the student an introduction to the principles of cartography with particular emphasis on computer cartography.
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    REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:

    1. Textbook: Cartography: Thematic Map Design, 5th edition, by B. Dent, McGraw-Hill

    COURSE SCHEDULE:

    Week 1
    Aug 30 - Sep 3    		 Introduction: Understand course objectives, grading policy, etc.; Introduce student to history of cartography notes
    Week 2
    Sep 6 - 10
    (No class Sep 6)    		 Introduction to thematic mapping : types of maps, basic principles of generalization, thematic map design Chapter 1
    Week 3
    Sep 13 - 17    		 Basic principles of map projections ( PowerPoint), references: University of Buffalo Lecture 2 or P. Dana's map projection site Chapter 2
    Week 4
    Sep 20 - 24    		 Thematic map symbols: spatial dimensions, measurement scales, characteristics of thematic map symbols Chapter 4
    Week 5
    Sep 27 - Oct 1    		 Processing geographic data : statistical methods, summarizing distributions, areal concentration and association Chapter 5
    Week 6
    Oct 4 - 8    		 Processing geographic data
    Mid-Term Exam Oct 6    		 Chapter 6
    Week 7
    Oct 11 - 15    		 Choropleth mapping: selection of technique, data classification, legend design Chapter 7
    Week 8
    Oct 18 - 22    		 Dot-distribution mapping: techniques, visual results Chapter 8
    Week 9
    Oct 25 - 29    		 Graduated point mapping: proportionality, symbol scaling, graphic design strategies Chapter 9
    Week 10
    Nov 1 - 6    		 Isarithmic mapping: nature, elements Chapter 10
    Week 11
    Nov 8 - 12    		 Mid-Term Exam Nov 8
    Cartograms: value by area, communication tool, construction    		 Chapter 11
    Week 12
    Nov 15 - 19    		 Elements of map composition: design process, design elements, purpose, contrast, organization Chapter 13
    Week 13
    Nov 22 - 26
    (no classes Nov 25 - 26)    		 Elements of map composition Chapter 13
    Week 14
    Nov 29 - Dec 3    		 Designing the map Chapter 14
    Week 15

    Dec 1 - Dec 5

    		 Digital terrain models: basic principles, contouring principles Notes
    Week 16 Final Exam: Monday, December 13, 6:00-7:40 PM  

    ASSIGNMENTS:

  • All work will be due on the date specified. Late assignments will be assessed a penalty of 5% per day or fraction thereof. All work must be completed to receive a passing grade for this course. Each assignment will be submitted in a report folder that can be reused throughout the semester. A cover sheet will be included with each assignment that identifies the assignment.
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    PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:


  • 60% from exams
    20% from term paper
    20% from lab assignments and readings
    100% TOTAL
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    GRADING POLICIES:


  • 90 - 100% - A Range
    80 - 89% - B Range
    70 - 79% - C Range
    60 - 69% - D Range
    0 - 59% - F Range
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    ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

  • Term paper Requirements can be found here . All students must go to the Writing Center prior to submitting their term paper. The final term paper is due on November 29, 1999. Students will also orally present a summary of their term paper, no longer than 5 minutes, during their lab period in week 15. Each student is encouraged to use any visual aids that they think is appropriate. A one page summary of the paper will be distributed to the students and instructor in the lab. Dress appropriately for the presentation.

    Office hours have been listed above. Other hours can be arranged if necessary. If you have problems, please see me as soon as possible. Waiting until the end of the semester may be too late.
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