Cartography and Graphics
GEO 2230 - 01 Fall, 2009

Lab supplies: ruler, calculator, flash drive.

Final Exam: Thursday 17 Dec. 10 AM to 11:52 AM - Final Exam Schedule

Course Description:

Cartography is the art and science of map making. Computer cartography is using the speed, updatability, and repeatability of the computer to aid in this process. The course builds upon the structure of the map in a computer: the design and input of shapes (points, lines, and polygons), and the design and input of the shapes' attributes, the database. A map is the display of information about an area of the world. This information is contained in the database and is displayed on the geographic shapes by combining the two types of files. Methods of handling both geographic and attribute data are covered in class and implemented in laboratory exercises with the goal of producing a map.

Course Objectives:

A student taking this course will gain practical knowledge in the process of designing and producing a printed map using a computer. The goal is to teach techniques of graphic communication (thematic or statistical maps) of selected types of spatial data and instill a sharp awareness of the variability of the integrity of these maps. Secondarily, a working knowledge of the Windows environment will be studied as well as some secondary graphics capabilities in these environments. The machine's operations will be understood to the point where they are not "black boxes. Correct methods of data division and presentation will also be discussed and implemented for both black and white and color choropleths. Software packages may change as the semester progresses, but ArcInfo 9.2 will be the main graphics tool used. A final project of an original map will carried out from design through printout.

Grading:

Examinations:
The examinations will cover material from class, reading assignments, and labs. The Final Examination will have 100 points on the material since the first examination. The exams are NOT multiple choice. Most are short answer and identification where you supply the answer with no prompts. A section of each exam will be carried out on the computer just as you did in lab. However, there are no instructions, just a problem.

Makeup Examinations:
There will be NO makeup examinations unless I am notified BEFORE the exam is given AND you have a doctor's notice or other proof; a makeup may be taken no later than 1 WEEK after the normal date of the given exam. Generally, makeups are more difficult than the regular exam.
FINAL: Thursday 17 Dec. 10 AM to 11:52 AM

Absenteeism:
You are expected to attend class and are responsible for material that is presented in class. Examinations will emphasize what is covered in class.

Extra-Credit
There will be no extra credit unless it is to attend a speaker. Details will be announced ahead of time.

Labs: If you leave from a lab early, you MUST turn in the lab assigned for that day. Otherwise, labs are due at the BEGINNING of lab the following week. Leaving lab early without turning in the lab earns a 0 for that lab.
Labs later than 9 AM the following Tuesday will NOT be accepted (zero points).

Project:
A project worth 60 points will be completed where several original maps will be created. Details will be handed out on this requirement. You must complete this project to receive a grade in the course. Anyone not completing this project on time will receive an "I" or an "F" for the course.

Cell Phones: Cell phones should be silent in class. If your "vibration mode" is louder than your ringer, just turn the phone off. Any phone that is heard or seen being used in class will require the owner to bring to the next class treats for the entire class.

Assignments -- Should be read by the date listed: