Master the art and science of visual communication through digital map design and thematic mapping.
Welcome to Advanced Cartography & Design. While GIS provides the analytical power to process spatial data, cartography provides the visual language to communicate those results effectively. A poorly designed map can obscure critical data or mislead the viewer.
This course moves beyond basic map-making to explore the cognitive and aesthetic principles of map design. Students will delve into advanced map projections, color theory, typography, and visual hierarchy. We will focus heavily on thematic mapping techniques, including choropleth, dot density, and proportional symbol maps.
By the end of this course, you will be able to produce professional-grade, publication-ready maps and interactive web maps that are not only accurate but visually compelling and accessible to diverse audiences.
GIS & Design Students
8-10 Hours / Week
Intro to GIS
Design Studios & Critiques
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the following core competencies:
Master the foundational pillars that drive this discipline.
Structuring map elements so the most important information draws the viewer's eye first.
Using sequential, diverging, and qualitative color schemes to accurately represent data.
Managing the mathematical distortion inherent in flattening the Earth.
Designing maps focused on specific subjects or themes, rather than general reference.
Discover how these concepts are actively used to solve critical challenges across various industries.
Creating clear, unbiased infographics and maps for news publications.
Designing interactive, user-friendly map interfaces for web and mobile applications.
Visualizing demographic and economic data to inform government decision-making.
Hone your cartographic eye. These interactive studios allow you to experiment with design principles in real-time.
Design sequential, diverging, and qualitative color schemes. Test palettes against various forms of colorblindness.
Experiment with visual hierarchy. Adjust layer weights, opacity, and background contrast to make thematic data pop.
Master the art of map text. Practice placing labels for points, lines (rivers), and polygons (areas) without obscuring data.
Build choropleth, proportional symbol, and dot density maps from raw census data. Learn data classification methods.
Design interactive map elements. Configure pop-ups, zoom-dependent styling, and base map toggles for a web interface.
Curated materials to support your academic journey and professional development.
Detailed information regarding our college-level curriculum.