Classes are 3 hours and take place in the GIS lab (270610). Due to the highly practical nature of this course, we will follow a hybrid approach with mixed theory and practice.

This course and all handout/upload material are provided in English, therefore a basic command of the English language will be required.  Also, a basic understanding of spatial data and a feeling for spatial information and relationships are of advantage.  For the technical aspects of this course, a basic knowledge of trigonometry and trigonometric identities, and a basic understanding of coordinate systems and transformations will be beneficial.

WEEK 1

Introduction to Digital Cartography and Basics of GIS

CONTENTS. This week introduces the scope and purpose of digital cartography, distinguishing it from traditional mapmaking. Students will become familiar with what a map represents in digital systems, the concept of spatial data, and the use of GIS software. The objective is to provide a conceptual foundation while setting up the digital environment for mapping.

READINGS. Course script and selected sections in Robinson et al. (1995), Field (2018), Tyner (2010), and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. Students will attend a lecture on the nature and roles of digital maps, followed by a demonstration of the GIS interface and basic layer operations. In the lab, they will set up their project workspace and explore vector data using domestic data.

HOMEWORK. Readings and review.

WEEK 2

Coordinate Systems, Projections and Map Scale

CONTENTS. This session focuses on geographic and projected coordinate systems, projection types, and their effects on spatial accuracy. Students will learn how to choose and apply map projections and understand the importance of scale in spatial representation and interpretation.

READINGS. Course script and selected sections in Robinson et al. (1995), Snyder (1987), Field (2018), Tyner (2010), and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. The lecture introduces map projections, scale concepts, and distortion principles. In the lab, students will reproject layers, observe differences between systems, and explore scale impacts on domestic geography.

HOMEWORK: Start of Map Project 1: Population Density Thematic Map

WEEK 3

Symbolization, Colour, and Visual Hierarchy

CONTENTS. This week covers visual variables such as colour, shape, size, and texture, along with symbol classification methods (e.g., quantile, natural breaks). Emphasis is placed on creating visual hierarchy and meaningful symbolization for thematic mapping.

READINGS. Course script and selected sections in Robinson et al. (1995), Bertin (2011), Field (2018), Tyner (2010), and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. After a theoretical overview of symbol design and classification techniques, students will practice applying symbology in GIS, experimenting with different classification schemes and colour palettes to visualise population data.

HOMEWORK. Continue Map Project 1

WEEK 4

Labels, Legends, and Map Composition

CONTENTS. Students explore cartographic composition, focusing on text labelling, map elements (legend, north arrow, scale), and visual balance. The goal is to produce clear, readable layouts that communicate spatial information effectively.

READINGS. Course script and selected sections in Robinson et al. (1995), Field (2018), Tyner (2010), and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. The lecture discusses typefaces, label placement rules, and the function of cartographic elements. The lab is devoted to refining the thematic map layout, adding labels for cities, and finalising composition.

HOMEWORK. Finalise Map Project 1

WEEK 5

Terrain Representation and Land Cover Data

CONTENTS. This week introduces elevation models and terrain visualisation techniques, including hillshading and contouring for physiographic and topographic maps. Students will also begin working with land cover raster datasets to understand physiographic mapping.

READINGS. Course script and selected sections in Robinson et al. (1995), Field (2018), Tyner (2010), and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. The lecture covers elevation representation, contour logic, and land cover classification. The lab includes generating contours from Digital Elevation Models, styling hillshading, and importing land cover data.

HOMEWORK. Start of Map Project 2: Physiographic Map

WEEK 6

Generalisation and Feature Extraction with Machine Learning

CONTENTS. This session explores generalisation techniques such as simplification and smoothing, and introduces basic machine learning for land cover classification. The aim is to automate the extraction of urban, water, and vegetation features.

READINGS. Course script and selected sections in Robinson et al. (1995), Field (2018), Tyner (2010), and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. Students will experience vector generalisation methods, then use supervised classification to extract land cover types for a defined area. These features are converted into clean vector layers for further map use.

HOMEWORK. Continue Map Project 2

WEEK 7

Map Refinement and Styling for Terrain Visualisation

CONTENTS. This week focuses on blending multiple terrain visualisation techniques and achieving expressive cartographic styles. Students will consolidate topographic features with elevation cues and meaningful symbology.

READINGS. Course script and selected sections in Robinson et al. (1995), Field (2018), Tyner (2010), and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. Students finalise their physiographic map by integrating shaded relief, generalisation results, and proper labelling. Emphasis is placed on stylistic coherence and effective visual communication.

HOMEWORK. Finalise Map Project 2

WEEK 8

Midterm Exam Week

WEEK 9

Topology and Network Structures in Cartography

CONTENTS. Students are introduced to topological relationships and their use in transportation networks. The focus is on nodes, edges, and how spatial topology differs from visual or geographic fidelity.

READINGS. Course script and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. The lecture explains network logic, topological rules, and abstraction in metro maps. In the lab, students digitise station points and rail lines, ensuring correct topological structure.

HOMEWORK. Start of Map Project 3: Metro Network Topological Map

WEEK 10

Spatial Adjustment and Network Geometry Control

CONTENTS. This session develops practical skills in aligning, snapping, and editing geometries while maintaining topological relationships. Students learn to optimise layout for readability without violating topology.

READINGS. Course script and selected sections in Robinson et al. (1995), Field (2018), Tyner (2010), and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. After a lecture on geometric control, students modify and adjust metro networks, snapping nodes and refining layout while preserving logical connections between stations.

HOMEWORK. Continue Map Project 3.

WEEK 11

Finishing the Network Map

CONTENTS. This week emphasises map finalisation and symbol simplification for abstract networks. The goal is to create a clean metro map with readable labels, coherent linework, and a functional layout.

READINGS. Course script and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. Students finish the metro map using abstraction techniques inspired by transit design standards. They apply symbology, finalise label placement, and prepare the map for submission.

HOMEWORK. Finalise Map Project 3

WEEK 12

Digitizing and Working with Scanned Maps

CONTENTS. Students learn to georeference scanned historical maps and digitise vector features. Focus is on parcels and alignment to control points while maintaining topological consistency.

READINGS. Course script and selected sections in Robinson et al. (1995), Field (2018), Tyner (2010), and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. The lecture covers georeferencing and digitising best practices. In the lab, students begin working with a historic parcel map, aligning it to base data and starting parcel digitisation.

HOMEWORK. Start of Map Project 4: Parcel Plan

WEEK 13

Survey Constraints and Parcel Editing

CONTENTS. This session involves applying geometric constraints to parcel boundaries and editing nodes and edges while preserving clean topology. Students will learn to encode survey information and manage parcel attributes.

READINGS. Course script and selected sections in Robinson et al. (1995), Field (2018), Tyner (2010), and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. Students complete parcel digitisation, manage shared edges, and adjust geometries to match survey-derived measurements. The lab includes layout preparation and styling for cadastral clarity.

HOMEWORK. Finalise Map Project 4.

WEEK 14

Capstone Project Launch: Complex Thematic Map

CONTENTS. The capstone project introduces complex thematic mapping with multivariate symbology and multiple thematic layers combined with topographic basemaps. Students will work with earthquake point data, scale and colour symbols, and derive patterns from hotspot surfaces.

READINGS. Course script and selected sections in Robinson et al. (1995), Field (2018), Tyner (2010), and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. After visiting multivariate and derived mapping, students begin compiling earthquake data from online catalogs. They explore magnitude-depth visualisation and generate kernel density maps to identify seismic clusters.

HOMEWORK. Start of Capstone Map Project: Complex-Thematic Map

WEEK 15

Advanced Layouts and Capstone Integration

CONTENTS. This session supports the final integration of thematic layers, tectonic context, and cartographic refinement. Emphasis is placed on clarity, storytelling, and thematic coherence.

READINGS. Course script and selected sections in Robinson et al. (1995), Field (2018), Tyner (2010), and other sources.

ACTIVITIES. Students finalise their capstone maps by adding tectonic plate boundaries, labels, legends, and compositional elements. The focus is on exporting a polished product for submission.

HOMEWORK. Continuation of Capstone Map Project: Complex-Thematic Map

WEEK 16

Final Exam Week

Finalization of Capstone Map Project: Complex-Thematic Map

The teaching assistant for Cartography will be announced in due time.

This course is developed around map projects. Additional homework assignments and bonus exercises will help to consolidate the obtained knowledge.

• The midterm examination will be a portfolio of online questions and/or a project covering the theoretical foundations of cartography.


• The final exam will be a mapping project. In order to complete the final project suceesfully, students will set up a mapping project, produce a digital map and describe their mapping concept and realization.