GEOG 183
Cartographic Representation
This course introduces the art, science and politics of making maps in a mediated world. Much of the course focuses on key theories, concepts, principles in map design, visualization and communication, while building deeper theoretical, critical and experimental skills needed for the challenges of the future. This includes theories of new media, the history of cartography, the impact of the internet on critical, Indigenous and counter- approaches to mapping, contemporary media and cartographic arts including the experimental, expressive and artistic, and the technicalities of visualizing quantitative data through (carto)graphic design.
Topics
- Demonstrate the ability to critically interpret and evaluate the ideological, political and technical aspects of historical and contemporary cartography. Develop key basic skills in producing print-based and web-based cartography, and be able to articulate the key technical and communicative differences. Understand cartographic rhetoric, and the power of maps as argumentative and decision-making devices. Produce a final cartographic project using skills learned in the course by undertaking independent research, technical learning and collaborative feedback. Become familiar with studio-based peer feedback environments, teamwork in cartographic production and the importance of community in cartographic production. Have core competencies in a range of software including Adobe Creative Cloud, ArcGIS Online, Mapbox and basic HTML/CSS/JS coding.
Official catalogue course objectives and student learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027