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Joseph Kerski and Steven Hick

Dive into the dynamic world of cartography with our comprehensive course, "Planet Earth and Geovisualization." This two-part series is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in modern map-making and geospatial analysis. Throughout this course, students will explore the art and science of cartography, focusing on the principles and techniques essential for effective map communication.

Learning Objectives:

Read more

Dive into the dynamic world of cartography with our comprehensive course, "Planet Earth and Geovisualization." This two-part series is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in modern map-making and geospatial analysis. Throughout this course, students will explore the art and science of cartography, focusing on the principles and techniques essential for effective map communication.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Examine the Art and Science of Cartography :

    • Understand the fundamental principles and history of cartography.
    • Analyze the key components that contribute to effective map communication, including scale, projection, and symbolization.
    • Create Vector Map Data from Raster Maps :

    • Learn to convert raster map data into vector formats.

    • Develop skills in organizing and managing geospatial data within a geodatabase.

    • Design Choropleth Maps :

    • Master the creation of choropleth maps to visually represent spatial data.

    • Apply appropriate data classification techniques and symbology to convey clear and accurate information.

    • Develop Graduated Symbol Maps :

    • Create graduated symbol maps to represent varying data magnitudes.

    • Implement effective data classification techniques and symbology for enhanced visual interpretation.

    • Construct Isarithmic Maps :

    • Learn to produce isarithmic maps to illustrate continuous data surfaces.

    • Utilize appropriate data classification techniques and symbology for accurate representation of phenomena.

    • Render 3D Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) :

    • Transform DEMs into 3D visualizations for advanced geospatial analysis.

    • Perform viewshed and line of sight calculations to assess visibility and spatial relationships in a three-dimensional context.

By the end of this course, students will have a thorough understanding of cartographic principles and will be proficient in using various mapping techniques to create informative and visually compelling maps. Whether you're a novice or an experienced GIS professional, this course will enhance your ability to communicate spatial information effectively through innovative and precise map design.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • At the end of this two-course series you will be able to:
  • Examine the art and science of cartography and the components of map communication
  • Create vector map data in a geodatabase from a raster map
  • Create a choropleth map illustrating appropriate data classification techniques and symbology
  • Create a graduated symbol map illustrating appropriate data classification techniques and symbology
  • Create an isarithmic map illustrating appropriate data classification technique and symbology
  • Render a digital elevation model (dem) into a 3d image to create viewshed and line of sight calculations

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops core map design skills essential for effective map communication
Teaches advanced techniques such as 3D visualization and viewshed analysis
Prerequisites not explicitly stated
Provides a comprehensive study of cartography
Covers unique perspectives and ideas in the field of cartography
Taught by instructors with expertise in cartography and geospatial analysis

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Reviews summary

Geovisualization: practical skills for professionals

According to students, this course is a highly valuable and comprehensive MicroMasters program for developing geospatial analysis and cartography skills. Learners particularly highlight the practical exercises and hands-on labs as a major strength, finding them effective for applying concepts like choropleth, graduated symbol, and 3D DEM rendering. Many also praise the instructors' clear explanations and the course's strong relevance for career development. However, some learners noted challenges with GIS software setup, suggesting a need for prior familiarity or more detailed troubleshooting, and a few felt the lecture pace was occasionally rushed. Overall, it's considered an excellent investment for professionals in geospatial fields.
May suit those with some prior GIS familiarity better.
"It's better suited if you already have some basic GIS software familiarity."
"I struggled with this course... Perhaps it assumes a higher level of prior technical expertise than stated."
"The practical guidance for software application was not always explicit enough for a beginner."
Instructors provide engaging and accessible explanations.
"The instructor's explanations for complex topics like DEM rendering and viewshed analysis were very clear and engaging."
"The instructors are clearly experts and make complex ideas accessible."
"The lectures are well-produced, and the assignments are designed to apply knowledge immediately."
Highly relevant and valuable for professional development.
"Highly recommend for anyone serious about cartography."
"Absolutely fantastic! ... Excellent for career advancement."
"The content is highly relevant for professionals seeking to improve their geospatial communication."
Offers valuable hands-on labs for real-world application.
"The practical exercises on creating choropleth and graduated symbol maps using real-world data were incredibly valuable."
"The module on 3D Digital Elevation Models was a game-changer for my work. The step-by-step instructions and practical application examples were top-notch."
"The projects are challenging but highly rewarding. It truly enhanced my understanding of spatial data visualization."
Some learners found initial GIS software setup cumbersome.
"My main feedback would be that setting up the GIS software environment was a bit cumbersome..."
"I found some parts, particularly the initial setup of the software, quite frustrating."
"The course could benefit from updated software tutorials or more accessible alternatives for those without specific commercial GIS licenses."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Planet Earth Geovisualization - MicroMasters with these activities:
Review principles and history of cartography
Strengthens foundational knowledge on cartographic principles and their historical evolution.
Show steps
  • Read textbooks and articles on cartography
  • Explore historical maps and analyze their design and purpose
  • Discuss key concepts and theories with peers or instructors
Create vector data from raster maps
Refreshes the skill of creating vector data from raster maps, which is a fundamental technique in cartography.
Browse courses on Vectorization
Show steps
  • Identify input raster data and desired output vector format
  • Use GIS software to convert raster data to vector format
  • Clean and refine vector data for accuracy and quality
Classify data for graduated symbol maps
Strengthens understanding of data classification techniques used in graduated symbol maps.
Show steps
  • Familiarize with different data classification methods
  • Apply data classification techniques to sample datasets
  • Evaluate and compare classification results
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Compile a literature review on current mapping techniques
Expands knowledge of modern mapping techniques by encouraging students to research and compile relevant literature.
Browse courses on Geospatial Technologies
Show steps
  • Search and select relevant sources on contemporary mapping techniques
  • Summarize key findings and insights from the literature
  • Organize and present the compilation for use as a reference resource
Design a choropleth map
Reinforces the principles of choropleth map design by guiding students through the process of creating one.
Browse courses on Choropleth Maps
Show steps
  • Gather and prepare spatial data for mapping
  • Choose appropriate data classification and symbology
  • Create choropleth map using GIS software or online tools
  • Evaluate and refine map for clarity and effectiveness
Construct isarithmic maps using contour lines
Enhances knowledge of isarithmic map construction by providing guided practice through tutorials.
Show steps
  • Understand the principles of isarithmic map creation
  • Follow step-by-step tutorials on constructing isarithmic maps
  • Interpret and analyze isarithmic maps for spatial patterns
Visualize elevation data using 3D digital models
Develops practical skills in visualizing elevation data through the creation of 3D digital models.
Show steps
  • Acquire and prepare digital elevation data
  • Use GIS software to render DEMs into 3D visualizations
  • Perform viewshed and line of sight analysis
  • Present and interpret results for spatial analysis

Career center

Learners who complete Planet Earth Geovisualization - MicroMasters will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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