Interactive Cartography
G&ES 387
Erick Howenstine
Alternative Springs
Prerequisite: Computer Cartography (G&ES 377)
Graduate Credit: Yes*
Students in Interactive Cartography, a course developed in 2003, will learn to make maps and images to deliver on the worldwide web. This is an exciting new field of opportunity, and it will appeal to geographers, cartographers, GIS users, as well as graphics designers and web developers.
A background in computer cartography is required, so students must have taken G&ES 377 (Computer Cartography) or be able to demonstrate comparable skills and experience. The class will use some javascript, java applets, .cgi code, and other source code -- but we won't be writing it! Adapting widely available and free source code is very useful for creating dynamic maps.
Among the types of things students can expect to learn are some of the more advanced tools of a raster imaging program (Corel PhotoPaint), how to embed hyperlinks into images, with or without rollover symbols, 360-degree pannable images, scrolling maps, good quality thumbnails, navigation bars of various types, vector graphics which are controlled and scaled by the web user, zoomable maps and dynamic cartograms. Every term the techniques are likely to change and expand, as this is a fast-developing field! No experience with GIS or web authoring is expected but those with advanced skills will find them helpful.
This is an exciting class which I am just beginning to offer. Please watch for it, and take it when it comes around! Assignments will be posted on line by students. It's a great way to build your portfolio!
*Graduate students may take up to 10 hours of approved 300-level courses. This is one of the approved courses.
G&ES 387 Syllabus
