Maps and the Geospatial Revolution

About this course: Learn how advances in geospatial technology and analytical methods have changed how we do everything, and discover how to make maps and analyze geographic patterns using the latest tools. The past decade has seen an explosion of new mechanisms for understanding and using location information in widely-accessible technologies. This Geospatial Revolution has resulted in the development of consumer GPS tools, interactive web maps, and location-aware mobile devices. These radical advances are making it possible for people from all walks of life to use, collect, and understand spatial information like never before. This course brings together core concepts in cartography, geographic information systems, and spatial thinking with real-world examples to provide the fundamentals necessary to engage with Geography beyond the surface-level. We will explore what makes spatial information special, how spatial data is created, how spatial analysis is conducted, and how to design maps so that they’re effective at telling the stories we wish to share. To gain experience using this knowledge, we will work with the latest mapping and analysis software to explore geographic problems.

Who is this class for: No background is required; all are welcome. If you're already a Geospatial Guru, then you might find this class a bit basic, in which case I hope you'll consider taking the online geospatial education courses that we offer at Penn State: more information on our online certificate and Master's in GIS programs is available at: www.pennstategis.com.

Created by:  The Pennsylvania State University

• Taught by:  Dr. Anthony C. Robinson, Lead Faculty for Online Geospatial Education

  Department of Geography

Level Beginner Commitment 6-8 hours / week Language English How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.6 stars Average User Rating 4.6See what learners said Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

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The Pennsylvania State University Founded in 1855 as Pennsylvania's only land-grant university, The Pennsylvania State University combines academic rigor with a vibrant campus life. A nationally recognized Research-I institution, Penn State teaches students to be leaders with a global perspective. Supporting not only the citizens of our Commonwealth, Penn State engages in collaborative activities with industrial, educational, and agricultural partners in the United States and abroad to generate, disseminate, integrate, and apply knowledge that is valuable to society.

Syllabus


WEEK 1


Getting Started
Watch a short video to learn how this class works (it's a bit different than other MOOCs) and help make a map with your classmates.


1 video, 1 reading expand

1. Video: Course Introduction
2. Reading: Let's Make A Map

The Changing Nature of Place
Discover the Geospatial Revolution and its impact on the rapidly evolving science of Geography.


2 videos, 5 readings expand

1. Video: Lesson 1 - Lecture 1
2. Reading: The Geospatial Revolution
3. Video: Lesson 1 - Lecture 2
4. Reading: The Changing Nature of Place
5. Reading: What Is Geography?
6. Reading: Geospatial Revolution Video
7. Reading: Lesson 1 Mapping Activity
8. Discussion Prompt: Privacy and the Geospatial Revolution

Graded: Lesson 1 Quiz

WEEK 2


Spatial is Special
Explore what it means to think spatially and consider the impacts of scale and time.


2 videos, 6 readings expand

1. Video: Lesson 2 - Lecture 1
2. Reading: Spatial is Special
3. Reading: Thinking like a Geographer
4. Video: Lesson 2 - Lecture 2
5. Reading: Spatial Relationships
6. Reading: Scale and Time
7. Reading: Geospatial Revolution Video
8. Reading: Lesson 2 Mapping Activity
9. Discussion Prompt: Change Matters In Geography

Graded: Lesson 2 Quiz

WEEK 3


Understanding Spatial Data
Examine the key elements of spatial datasets.


2 videos, 6 readings expand

1. Video: Lesson 3 - Lecture 1
2. Reading: Spatial Data
3. Reading: The Earth from Above
4. Video: Lesson 3 - Lecture 2
5. Reading: Who Makes Spatial Data?
6. Reading: Describing Spatial Data
7. Reading: Lesson 3 Mapping Activity
8. Reading: Geospatial Revolution Video
9. Discussion Prompt: Where Do Disasters Happen, and How Can Maps Help?

Graded: Lesson 3 Quiz

WEEK 4


Doing Spatial Analysis
Learn how Geographers solve problems using spatial analysis techniques.


2 videos, 5 readings expand

1. Video: Lesson 4 - Lecture 1
2. Reading: Analysis Pitfalls
3. Video: Lesson 4 - Lecture 2
4. Reading: Spatial Analysis
5. Reading: Normalization
6. Reading: Geospatial Revolution Video
7. Reading: Lesson 4 Mapping Activity
8. Discussion Prompt: Mapping Social Media - What's It Good For?

Graded: Lesson 4 Quiz

WEEK 5


Making Great Maps
Explore the key elements of effective cartographic design.


2 videos, 8 readings expand

1. Video: Lesson 5 - Lecture 1
2. Reading: Making Great Maps
3. Reading: Layout & Symbols
4. Video: Lesson 5 - Lecture 2
5. Reading: Choosing Color Schemes
6. Reading: Data Classification
7. Reading: Text on Maps
8. Reading: Geospatial Revolution Video
9. Discussion Prompt: Storytelling With Maps
10. Reading: Resources
11. Reading: Postscript

Graded: Storytelling With Maps
Graded: Final Exam