Geography 184C: GeoVisualization
Spring Quarter, 2006
Geography 184C: GeoVisualization
Course Syllabus
Who: Instructor – Kirk Goldsberry, TA – Sarah Battersby
What: Geographic Visualization. The integration of computer technology and mapmaking has presented
new challenges and opportunities. This course introduces the ideas behind Geographic Visualization. The
lectures offer a broad introduction to visualization, interface design, and advanced computer cartography.
The labs are designed to offer hands-on experience in GeoVis, graphic design, and web-based map
production.
By the end of the quarter, you will know a lot about the state-of-the-art of dynamic mapping. You will
also have an advanced set of design skills that will supplement your map design, and GIS skills.
When: Lectures – T, Th 930AM – 1045AM, 3621 Ellison Hall
Lab 1 – T 11AM – 1PM, 2610 Ellison Hall, aka the Star lab
Lab 2 – W 5PM – 650PM, 2610 Ellison Hall, aka the Star lab
Office Hours: Kirk [Thursday 130PM – 330PM, and by appointment, 4713 Ellison Hall]
Sarah [Tuesday 1 - 2PM, Wednesday 4 - 5PM, 5713 Ellison Hall]
Contact: kirk@geog.ucsb.edu, batts@geog.ucsb.edu
Required Textbook: Thematic Cartography and Geographic Visualization, 2nd
Edition, by Terry A. Slocum, Robert B. McMaster, Fritz C. Kessler, and Hugh H.
Howard
Course Website: www.geog.ucsb.edu/~kirk/geog184c.htm
Required Media: You must have a USB thumb drive (flash drive) for the lab.
You will be working between several different workstations. Thumb drives
enable you to easily transfer your work between workstations and also are
great for backing up your work!
Evaluation:
Exam
30%
Lab Assignments
25%
Project one
15%
Project two
20%
Readings/Writings
10%
June 1
Course Policies: I expect everyone to attend all lectures and labs. Attendance is not required at the
lecture, but is required for the labs. The best way to do poorly in this class is to not attend the lab
sessions. One good way to do well is to show up on time to every lecture and lab session. With a few
exceptions labs are always due exactly one week after they are assigned. Lateness will cost you 10% each
day, starting at the exact beginning of your lab session. This rule is not flexible. Please inform us in
advance if you will miss a lab meeting or will have a personal situation that will affect your attendance or
performance. Informing us after the fact will elicit less compassion and understanding from your teachers.
UCSB Department of Geography
Geography 184C: GeoVisualization
Spring Quarter, 2006
month
april
date
4
6
11
13
18
20
25
27
lecture topic
what's due?
Course Introduction
Lab 1: Build yourself a website
Extending Cartography to GeoVisualization
what to read…
Chapter 1
Advanced Techniques I
Lab 2: Getting to know Flash MX
Advanced Techniques II
Lab 1
Introduction to Animation
Lab 3: Map Animation I
Map Animation I: History
Lab 2
Map Animation II: Design Tips for Animation
Lab 4: Map Interface I / Midterm Project assigned
Map Animation III: Design Tips (Continued)
Lab 3
Temporal Legends
Lab 5: Work on Midterm Project
Dynamic Variables
Lab 4
Digital Globes: Meet Karl Grossner
Lab 6: Interface II
Map projections: Sarah Battersby
Lab 5
Electronic Atlases
Lab 7: Final Project
Student Map Reviews I
Lab 6
Student Map Reviews II
Lab 8: Final Project
Data Exploration
Lab 7
New Yorker Article
data sources
sketch map
Chapter 23
Chapter 4
Chapter 20
Harrower Article!
may
2
4
9
11
16
18
23
25
30
june
1
Uncertainty
Lab 9: Final Project
Exam
6
Presentations
8
Presentations
Chapter 22
Final Project
UCSB Department of Geography
Chapter 21
Dibiase Article