Course: Cartography

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Course title Cartography
Course code KGD/KKART
Organizational form of instruction Seminary
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study 1
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 5
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements Course does not contain work placement
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Vrbík Daniel, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Šmída Jiří, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Severýnová Popková Klára, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
The lectures cover the following thematic areas: 1. Cartography for Geography, Other Disciplines, and Personal Life: Objectives and Content of Contemporary Cartography, Disciplines within Cartography (from mathematics to marketing and journalism), Maps, Atlases, Mental Maps, etc. The Role of Digital Technologies in Mapmaking. 2. Map Design: Elements of Each Map and Their Construction Principles (Legend, Scale, Edition, Title, etc.). 3. Map Content: Elevation and Positioning in Maps. Methods of Generalizing Content. 4. Color and Text in Maps: Their Meaning, Variability, Rules for Correct Use, and Consequences of Incorrect Decisions. 5. Methods of Cartographic Expression: Graphic Presentation of Quantitative and Qualitative Phenomena and Properties of Geographic Features. Techniques Suitable for Point, Line, and Area Features. 6. Errors in Maps: Cartographic Distortions and Their Relation to the Structural Basis of Maps. The Role of Mathematical Cartography. Data and Map Sources, Their Licenses, and Rules of Use. 7. Old Maps and New Knowledge: The Relationship between Human History and the Development of Cartography. Maps that Have Shaped the Identity of Czech Society. The Use of Historical Maps in Current Research and Geographic Applications. Ongoing Research on Historical Maps at Our Faculty.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture, Practicum
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to establish the foundations of cartographic literacy as an essential component of geographic thinking for students in both teacher education and applied geography programmes. The course introduces cartography as a tool for understanding geographic space, interpreting spatial relationships, and communicating geographic information. Students become familiar with basic cartographic concepts, principles and methods, and develop map-related skills including map reading, analysis, interpretation and elementary map production in a digital environment. Emphasis is placed on understanding map content, selecting appropriate cartographic methods and providing basic justification for cartographic decisions. The course also includes work with old maps as sources for studying landscape change and for reflecting critically on maps as interpretations of reality. It provides a shared competency base for further studies in geography, cartography and geoinformatics.

Prerequisites
unspecified

Assessment methods and criteria
Written exam, Practical demonstration of acquired skills, Test

Seminars and lectures are required. Allowed two absences for the seminar and one absence for the lecture. Completion of prescribed credit work: 1x entrance test, 1x continuous test, homework, final assignment Written exam.
Recommended literature
  • KRAAK, M. J., ROTH, R. E., RICKER, B., KAGAWA, A., LE SOURD, G.. Mapping for a Sustainable World. The United Nations: New York, NY (USA). 2020.
  • Miklín Jan, Dušek Radek, Krtička Luděk, Kaláb Oto. Tvorba map. Ostrava, 2018.
  • UCGIS. GIS&T Body of Knowledge.
  • VOŽENÍLEK, Vít a Josef, KAŇOK. Metody tematické kartografie - Vizualizace prostorových jevů. Olomouc: UP, 2011. ISBN 978-80-2442-790-4.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester