Geography 461W: "Dynamic Cartographic Representation "

Most maps produced today are electronic, dynamic, and often ephemeral -- with millions of maps generated on the web each day. At the same time, computer graphics technologies developed to enable scientific visualization generally, are being adapted and extended for applications with geographic information. The goal of this course is to provide students with both the conceptual understanding and practical experience needed to design effective dynamic representations and assess their effectiveness.

During the term we will explore the potential and implications of recent advances in cartography, exploratory data analysis, and information visualization as they relate to the theory and practice of geographic visualization (geovisualization). A key focus of the course is on "dynamic" representations of geographically referenced information. Dynamic representations are those that change as a result of user actions or data updates. Topics include: animated and interactive maps, exploratory multivariate spatial data analysis, geovisualization to support knowledge construction, interactive web maps, navigation aids for real and virtual worlds, map-enabled decision-support, collaborative geovisualization, dynamic maps to enable learning, semiotic principles for design of dynamic maps and related geovisualization tools, and perceptual/cognitive issues in dynamic geo-representation (including methods for studying the success of visual displays and interaction devices).

As a writing intensive course, particular attention will be given to writing for geographic information science (GIScience). This writing will include laboratory project reports, reviews of published literature, and a term project.

Professor: Dr. Alan MacEachren

Click for the Spring 2007 course overview