Description
Mapping the Midlands will introduce students to cartographic basics and the use of GIS for computer mapping through a series of projects looking at the human geography of the Midlands.
A series of formal lectures will outline the principles:
- History of mapping
- Projections and coordinate systems, integration with GPS
- The Map Communication Model and modes of representationVector & raster data basics
Students will complete three projects, supported through six weeks of lab classes following the four weeks of lectures.
Formal training in the use of lab-based GIS will give a good foundation for students to undertake exercises in the use of field-based GIS as part of 106B Physical Environments of Birmingham.
Assessment
- Descriptive and illustrative map work.
Key skills
- Basic choropleth mapping using census data for Birmingham
- Overlay and analysis of historical maps
- Mapping of data collected as part of a field survey of house condition within Selly Oak
- Understand the basic principles underlying map making
- Use of number of different mapping techniques within ArcGIS
- Acquire data from a variety of online sources
- Apply these skills in a series of independent projects