Course: Cartography

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Course title Cartography
Course code KGD/PKART
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Lesson
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
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)
  • Severýnová Popková Klára, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Vrbík Daniel, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Šmída Jiří, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
The lectures focus on the following thematic areas: 1) Cartography for Geography, Other Disciplines, and Everyday Life: aims and scope of contemporary cartography; branches of cartography (its interdisciplinary connections and applications in science, public administration, the media, education, and everyday life); maps, atlases, mental maps, and related concepts. The role of digital technologies in map production. 2) Map Design: stages of map design, production, evaluation, and use. Components of a map and principles of their design (legend, scale, imprint, title, and other map elements). 3) Map Content: representation of relief and planimetric features in maps. Methods of cartographic generalization. 4) Colour and Text in Maps: their significance, variability, principles of effective use, and the consequences of inappropriate design decisions. 5) Cartographic Representation Methods: methods for the graphical representation of quantitative and qualitative phenomena and the properties of geographic features, including methods suitable for point, line, and area symbols. 6) Errors in Maps: cartographic distortions and their relationship to map projections and other mathematical foundations of mapping. The role of mathematical cartography. Sources of spatial data and maps, their licensing conditions, and rules for their use. 7) Historical Maps as a Source of Geographic Knowledge: historical maps and new insights; the relationship between the history of humankind and the development of cartography; the significance of selected maps in shaping territorial perceptions, regional identity, and geographical knowledge of the Czech lands; maps that have influenced the identity of Czech society. Contemporary methods for the research, digitization, analysis, and interpretation of historical maps.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Dialogue metods(conversation,discussion,brainstorming), Active metods (simulation, situational contingency methods, drama,acting, namagerial acting ), 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

Active participation in seminars and continuous completion of individual and group assignments according to predefined assessment criteria. Assessment includes a diagnostic entry test, ongoing evaluation of cartographic knowledge and skills, partial take-home assignments, and the final creation of a thematic map accompanied by a justification of the cartographic methods employed. Learning outcomes are further assessed through a written examination.
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