Cartography

This course introduces the methods, techniques, and considerations behind geographic data visualization and GIS mapping. The first and most significant portion of the course covers best practices for cartographic design, including topics and techniques related to generalization, representation, typography, classification, color, and symbology. Students engage with the full extent of the cartographic design process in a practical context using ArcGIS, the leading commercial desktop GIS platform, by completing weekly projects that incorporate application of best practices of cartographic design. The second part of the course focuses on Web mapping and Web presentation of cartography, with a particular emphasis on cloud-based GIS and mapping platforms as well as cloud-based Web design and development essentials. Practical applications are provided throughout the course.

Students will be earning transferable UCLA course credit for all courses in the certificate program. This course is accredited and approved by the UCLA Academic Senate as a credit-bearing course. It carries lower-division undergraduate credit. Weekly activities include reviewing video lectures, technical screencasts, and readings. Completing practical assignments involve the use of GIS methods to address real-world scenarios; Self-assessment using automated non-graded quizzes; and more.