SPA451 Cartography (8)

This subject builds on students' existing GIS abilities by introducing them to techniques for the mapping presentation of spatial, numerical and table-based data in order to maximise their effectiveness and simplify their interpretation. Students will learn how to design visualisations of information, taking into account the problems of human perception, variations in audience type, and the media or presentation environment selected including when working with and mapping Indigenous Australian data and knowledges. They will learn how to classify spatial and non-spatial, multi-dimensional, discrete and continuous data to elicit the most information. Dynamic methods such as animation, interactive atlases and data exploration tools will also be addressed.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
Online
Albury-Wodonga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: SPA451. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

Knowledge of Geographical Information Science equivalent to SPA431 or SPA215.

Incompatible Subjects

SPA512

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able apply and describe methods of thematic and statistical map classification;
  • be able to apply and describe methods of symbolisation, map elements and typography;
  • be able to compare map projection characteristics and apply these appropriately in cartographic outputs;
  • be able to produce and critically evaluate univariate and bivariate analysis maps;
  • be able to apply and describe web publishing methods for cartography;
  • be able to critically evaluate colonial impacts on mapping and cartography, especially in relation to Indigenous Australian knowledge systems;
  • be able to demonstrate a professional understanding of ethical considerations when working with Indigenous Australian data and and data sovereignty in cartography; and
  • be able to explain how maps can used to manipulate public understanding of geospatial information.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Cartography and data visualisation;
  • Map fundamentals;
  • Graphing and data classification;
  • Colour theory and applications;
  • Map text and labelling;
  • Map generalisation;
  • Proportional symbol, dot and dasymetric mapping;
  • Representing continuous phenomena;
  • Map animation;
  • Overview / recap of Indigenous (including Australian) mapping, astronomy & navigation;
  • Mapping Indigenous knowledges - perspectives from Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural settings; and
  • Current methods and applications of mapping Indigenous knowledges.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of SPA451 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Demographic map of the act
15
2
Critique of assignment 1 demographic map
10
3
Salinity map of the coleambally irrigation area
20
4
Republic referendum bivariate analysis
25
5
Online multiple choice test
30

Special Resources

Spatial information software (ArcGIS) is used in this subject. Software is supplied.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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