El lenguaje de los mapas from edX

Este MOOC trata de responder a la pregunta de por qué los mapas están de moda. Los consultamos en calidad de usuarios en las pantallas de nuestros dispositivos electrónicos. El lenguaje los ha hecho polisémicos, puesto que se habla con soltura de mapas del poder, mapas neuronales, mapas de los afectos, mapas genéticos, mapas del tiempo, mapas corporales y un largo etcétera. Las editoriales no dejan de publicar libros sobre cartografía. Las exposiciones sobre mapas proliferan en museos y bibliotecas. Los titulares dan cuenta cada poco de robos sensacionalistas. Los medios de divulgación —audiovisuales y escritos— ilustran con ellos sus contenidos.

Para abarcar todos esos aspectos de la cartografía actual hemos organizado este MOOC en cuatro partes. En la primera definimos el concepto de mapa y actualizamos el estado de la cuestión bibliográfico.

En la segunda, repasamos la historia de la cartografía, desde la antigüedad hasta Google Maps. Su estudio también ha salido de la disciplina madre que era la geografía para despertar el interés de la historia, la ciencia, el arte y la cultura visual. Esto nos ha llevado a leer los mapas como textos.

La tercera parte se ocupa de los códigos de los mapas y de la alianza entre cartografía y poder. Los cartógrafos han acuñado códigos de lecturas, simbolismos de colores, alegorías en títulos, imágenes y formatos. La alianza entre cartografía e Imperio, escenificada en las relaciones entre España y América, nos ha confirmado que los mapas forman parte del aparato del poder. Ya sea en la guerra, la exploración o la persuasión. Ya en la paz, el viaje o la estética. Los mapas informan y desinforman, portan ideologías y mensajes, pero también son objetos artísticos tan atractivos que estimulan el placer de los sentidos.

Por último, trataremos las relaciones entre mapas, literatura y viajes. Estos tres conceptos han ido siempre de la mano. Los libros de viajes y guías turísticas guardan tal relación con el territorio que nos pone o nos quita del mapa. La cartografía imaginaria, la utilitaria aplicada a actividades productivas y la cotidiana en los dispositivos inteligentes la han revalorizado. El mapa es, por tanto, un lenguaje universal que hoy día hablan todas las culturas.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Descifrar el lenguaje de los mapas, el significado de sus colores, de sus secretos y de sus símbolos.
Analizar las alianzas entre los mapas y el poder, como las que se dieron entre el imperio hispánico y américa.
Ver las relaciones entre mapas, literatura y viajes, pues en nuestros viajes llevamos una guía y visitamos lugares literarios.

Comprender la utilidad diaria de los mapas en el siglo xxi: desde el gps y el plano del metro hasta la cartografía por satélite y en internet.
Conocer la historia de la cartografía: desde la antigüedad hasta google maps.

Descifrar el lenguaje de los mapas, el significado de sus colores, de sus secretos y de sus símbolos.
Analizar las alianzas entre los mapas y el poder, como las que se dieron entre el imperio hispánico y américa.
Ver las relaciones entre mapas, literatura y viajes, pues en nuestros viajes llevamos una guía y visitamos lugares literarios.
Comprender la utilidad diaria de los mapas en el siglo xxi: desde el gps y el plano del metro hasta la cartografía por satélite y en internet.
Conocer la historia de la cartografía: desde la antigüedad hasta google maps.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Exploramos la relación entre los mapas y el poder, incluyendo el papel de los mapas en el dominio y la persuasión

Abarcamos una amplia gama de aspectos de la cartografía, desde su historia hasta sus usos contemporáneos

Desarrollamos habilidades analíticas y de lectura de mapas, lo que permite a los estudiantes comprender críticamente los mensajes y la información que transmiten los mapas

Examina el papel de los mapas en la literatura y los viajes, lo que demuestra su importancia para la exploración y la comprensión de nuevas perspectivas

Los materiales del curso incluyen videos, lecturas y discusiones, lo que proporciona una experiencia de aprendizaje interactiva y atractiva

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 El lenguaje de los mapas with these activities:

Attend a local conference or workshop on cartography or GIS to connect with professionals and learn about industry trends

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Expand your network, stay updated on current practices, and gain valuable insights from experts in the field.

Browse courses on Cartography

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Identify relevant conferences or workshops in your area.
Register for the event and make travel arrangements.
Attend sessions and engage with speakers and attendees.
Participate in networking opportunities and exchange ideas with other professionals.
Follow up with connections made at the event.

Explore the David Rumsey Map Collection online for a virtual cartographic journey

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Experience a vast collection of maps and explore the evolution of cartography from ancient times to the present.

Browse courses on Cartography

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Visit the David Rumsey Map Collection website.
Browse through the different map categories and collections.
Select specific maps for in-depth exploration.
Use the zoom and pan tools to examine map details.
Read the accompanying descriptions and commentaries for historical context.

Study and practice analyzing maps using the elements of cartography

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Reinforce your understanding of map components and their significance in conveying spatial information.

Browse courses on Cartography

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Review the elements of cartography, such as scale, symbols, and projections.
Select a variety of maps for analysis.
Identify and interpret the different elements in each map.
Consider the purpose and intended audience of the maps.
Write short summaries of your map analyses.

Two other activities

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Design a personalized map that reflects your interests or experiences

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Develop a unique representation of your own perspective and showcase your understanding of map elements.

Browse courses on Cartography

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Brainstorm your interests, hobbies, or experiences that could translate into a map.
Decide on the type of map you want to create (e.g., physical, political, thematic).
Gather data and resources relevant to your topic.
Choose a suitable mapping software or online tool.
Design and create your map, incorporating symbols, colors, and annotations.

Write a blog post or article that explores a specific aspect of cartography or mapmaking

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Demonstrate your understanding of cartographic concepts and share your knowledge with a wider audience.

Browse courses on Cartography

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Choose a specific topic related to cartography that you find interesting.
Research and gather information from reliable sources.
Organize your content into a logical and engaging structure.
Write clear and concise text, incorporating relevant examples and illustrations.
Edit and proofread your content before sharing it.

Career center

Learners who complete El lenguaje de los mapas will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cartographer

Cartographers create maps and other representations of geographic data. They use specialized software and techniques to ensure that their maps are accurate and easy to understand. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” is an excellent choice for Cartographers because it provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst

GIS Analysts use geographic information systems (GIS) software to collect, analyze, and display geographic data. They use GIS to create maps, solve problems, and make decisions. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” is a valuable resource for GIS Analysts because it provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst

Historian

Historians study the past and its impact on the present. They use a variety of sources, including written documents, artifacts, and maps. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” can be useful for Historians because it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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Geographer

Geographers study the physical features of the Earth and the distribution of plant and animal life. They may specialize in a particular region or topic, such as climate, landforms, or vegetation. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” can be useful for Geographers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators plan and oversee the care and display of museum collections. They may specialize in a particular area, such as art, history, or natural history. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” can be useful for Museum Curators because it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans for the use of land in urban areas. They consider factors such as population growth, economic development, and environmental protection. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” can be useful for Urban Planners because it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. They work in a variety of settings, such as public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” can be useful for Librarians because it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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Archaeologist

Archaeologists study the remains of past human societies. They use a variety of methods, including excavation, analysis, and interpretation. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” may be useful for Archaeologists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its components, including the interactions between humans and the environment. They may specialize in a particular area, such as air pollution, water quality, or climate change. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” may be useful for Environmental Scientists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for a variety of media outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, and television. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” can be useful for Journalists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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Writer

Writers create written content, such as books, articles, and poems. They may specialize in a particular genre, such as fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” may be useful for Writers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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Editor

Editors review, edit, and prepare written content for publication. They may work for a variety of publishers, such as book publishers, magazine publishers, and website publishers. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” can be useful for Editors because it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They may specialize in a particular grade level or subject area, such as math, science, or history. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” can be useful for Teachers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct original research and publish their findings in academic journals and books. They may specialize in a particular field, such as history, science, or public health. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” may be useful for Researchers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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Translator

Translators convert written text from one language to another. They may specialize in a particular language pair, such as English to Spanish or Spanish to English. The course “El lenguaje de los mapas” may be useful for Translators because it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of cartography. The course also covers the use of maps in a variety of fields, such as geography, history, and planning.

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