GIS 251 – Computer Graphics and Mapping

Chapter 1: makingMapsIt’s a Map

It’s a map

• Maps are a powerful way of thinking about the earth

• … vital importance of making maps in the context of your life and systems

Map of Town Plan Catal Hyuk, Anatolia – 6200 B.C.

Babylonian Clay Tablet - 600 BC

Ojibwe (Native American)

ca. 1820

Technological Changes

• GIS and similar desktop mapping tools have helped GIS go ‘mainstream’

• Analysis and an understanding of geographic patterns and relationships are part of everyday life.

Discovery with Maps

• Maps generate new understanding

• 1854 Map of Cholera Outbreaks• Dr. John Snow• Map Credit: Center for Spatially Integrated Social

Science - http://www.csiss.org/classics/content/8

Maps Kill!

Maps Shape How We See• Projections can cause very different impressions

about the size of objects• Many classifications are subjective• Generalizations can hide what the map maker

does not want to show• Colors cause strong impressions• Labels can lead to bias• Statistical interpretations can be misleading

• The internet lets anyone make maps• Internet mapping sites and mapping API’s

• Making maps is ubiquitous or part of our day-to-day lives

The internet

• http://maps.google.com• http://maps.yahoo.com• http://mapquest.com• http://www.nationalatlas.gov• http://www.nconemap.net• http://seamless.ugs.gov• http://nationalgeographic.com/maps• http://ncfloodmaps.com• http://terraserver-usa.com• http://googlemapsmania.blogspot.com

• This map shows where visitors to my blog are using an internet mapping application called ‘cluster maps’.

What is a Map?

• A graphic statement that locates facts

•Graphic•Statement•Locating Facts

How do you make a map?

• Why are you making the map? chapter 2• Mappable data: chapter 3• Map-making tools: chapter 4• Map design: chapters 5-12

The End!

GIS 251 – Computer Graphics and Mapping

• Instructor: Pete Kennedy• Course Blog:

http://gis251.blogspot.com• Instructor Webpage:

http://kennedy.pete.googlepages.com• Natural Resources Division Blog:

http://dnrhcc.blogspot.com• Haywood Community College• Geospatial Technology Department

• Other Contact Info:• PhoneMe: 828.565.4219• eMAILmE: kennedy.pete (at)

gmail.com