GEOG 80
An Introduction to Geospatial Technologies: Mapping, Space and Power
This course offers an introduction to the increasingly diverse range of geospatial technologies and tools including but not limited to geographical information systems (GIS). Merging theoretical concepts with technical instruction, students will develop critical knowledge and skills in web-mapping, geographic information science and cartography, including how these tools take on and reinforce fundamental geographical concepts and shape our lives, our environments and, increasingly, our futures.
Topics
- Develop the skills to contrast diverse geospatial representation tools and to produce and design a map for our portfolio using core concepts in cartography, such as projections, coordinate systems, symbology, basic spatial analysis, and mapping design. Design a map using cartographic insights into socioecological structures to reflect on our social position in the world and our spatial understanding of it. Develop a critical appraisal of mapping techniques and representation by investigating key theories, concepts, and histories of cartography technologies and exploring how maps constantly change yet produce worlds at the virtual and real intersections. Examine the fundamental criticisms of the intersection of power and cartographic technologies to question their implications for the development of geographic perspectives, ways of understanding, and ways of influencing the world. Reflect upon the ethical issues of representation, data collection, and caring in our cartographic projects.
Official catalogue course objectives and student learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027