G&ES 387: Interactive Cartography

SYLLABUS / ASSIGNMENTS / STUDENTS / EXAMPLES

Syllabus

Instructor: Professor Erick Howenstine
Wednesdays 7:05-9:45 S-242 Aug. 27 - Dec. 8
Holidays affecting this class: none
Final Exam: 8-9:50 p.m. Th Dec. 11
Office hours: MW 10-12, T 10-11 W 5-6 and by appointment
Phone: (773) 442-5647
E-Mail: E-Howenstine@neiu.edu
Prerequisite: G&ES 377: Computer Cartography
Weekly contact hours: 3
Credit Hours: 3
Graduate Approved Course (see addendum)
Preparation:If you'd like to get a start on this class in advance, read here

The Internet has become an important tool for cartography because of its accessability and interactive capabilities. In this course students will explore a variety of ways in which maps and geospatial information can be made dynamic and interactive. Although a variety of commercial software is available for this purpose, an emphais is placed on open source methods and free or inexpensive solutions. Advanced tools of Corel Suite (the backbone of G&ES 377:Computer Cartography) will also be used. Exercises include most of the following: animated maps, hyperlinks, rollovers, frames, cartograms, scalable vector graphics, java, html, panoramas, 3D modeling, and vector-layer solutions with a GIS-like interactivity. Students will also become proficient in finding resources and technical help on line.

Readings for this class will be provided either in printed handouts, in software manuals which will be kept in the lab, or on line. Students should expect to purchase at least one third-party manual during the course of study.

Course objectives:

1. To develop skills of web- interactive delivery of geospatial information.
2. To gain a working knowledge of web-based resources for the cartographer.

Requirements:

1. Read the required readings
2. Communicate with instructor and technical assistant promptly, as needed.
3. Complete homework assignments on time
4. Participate in classroom discussion, and present work to class when appropriate
5. Complete two exams.

Evaluation: The following grading scale will be applied to this course. Minor changes may be announced.

A 90-100%
B 80 <90%
C 70 <80%
D 60 <70%
F Less than 60%

Because of its fluid area of study the schedule of this course is very likely to change. Meeting numbers below indicate the planned sequence of events and only suggests the pace of the class; some items may be more or less than a single class period. Expect adjustments please; things may be added, omitted, or rearranged.

1: Intro to course

Course Basics: Access, Procedures, Expectations, Grading
Structure the /http directory for this course
Newsgroups and information resources
Basic .html
Photopaint tools
1. Objects
2. Masks
3. Stitching
4. Transparencies
5. Resample, sharpen
6. Thumbnails
7. Making map series
8. Animated .gifs

2: Graphical Hyperlinks and Rollovers

hyperlinks with .html
hyperlinks with Flash
Flash Rollovers
html rollovers
Rollovers with hyperlinks and frames

3: Frames in .html

Tables
Frames
iframe
Using frames
- Master .html file
- Menu frame
- Target frame

4: Java Scripts and Applets

Finding the scripts to deliver images
Implementing the scripts
- flip over images
- random images
- gallery with "next" arrow
- slider
- special effects

5: Scalable images

.pdf files
.svg scalable vector graphics
java zoomable
java scalable

6-7: Sketchup

3D Modelling for Google Earth
Tools and instruction
Resources

8: Geosphere

Collecting and presenting worldwide point data on interactive globe

9: Catchup

10: Flash Animation

Corel R.A.V.E.
buttons
actions
map applications

Meeting 11: Panorama

Stitching images
PhotoVista
Java options
Panorama in frames

12: Cartograms

Making Cartograms
Mapresso
Tri-color unclassed maps

13: SVG delivery of shape files

Using an Arc Avenue Script
Using SVGMapper
MapServer open source with SVG

14-15: Grad Student Presentations

Final Exam: Dec. 11

10	Web Page (graded at end)	organization, clarity, aesthetic, special effects
10	Animated .gif	scale, clarity, timing, text, overall coordination and effectiveness
10	Rollover/link/frames	rollover function, frame function, appearance, utility (purpose)
10	Java script	variety, function, presentation including annotation
10	Scalable images	function, resolution concern, effectiveness
10	Sketchup 1	mastery of basic tools, materials, etc. Create building, animation
10	Sketchup 2	contribute to NEIU project -- coordinate style, detail, complexity
10	Flash	functional trigger and event, complexity, overall, utility (purpose
10	Panorama	function, seams, clarity, presentation
10	Cartogram	function, legend placement, scale, control parameters
10	Google Map Hack	function, TBD
-10	Lowest score* dropped	this will be done automatically
20	EXAM	three hour comprehensive
120	TOTAL

Comments indicate main basis for grades
Grades will be based on percentage received; divide total received by 120.

S-242 is open only during class times. Students may use the student labs and lab computers at other times by following procedures explained in class.
Because of the possibility of viruses please limit exposure as much as possible. Report problems immediately.
Take no books, equipment, or software outside of 252 without permission. Don't load programs on the lab computers.
Read your e-mail regularly and maintain e-mail contact with instructor. Make sure the instructor has your preferred e-mail address.
Complete your work by deadlines unless otherwise arranged in advance.
Do not put equipment in the lab or classroom at risk of food or drink.
Help one another, but do not do someone else's work.
Back up your work regularly.
Copying other's work and submitting it as one's own, even with slight modifications, will result in a failing gade for the class. Follow the normal Shut Down procedure before turning computers off. Turn monitors off separately.
Students should keep instructor appraised if, when, and why if they fall behind. No incompletes will be given to students who have procrastinated or fallen behind without notifying the instructor.