Learning Goals

On the basis of cartographic expertise, the students learn about the diverse potentials of interactive and multimedia web cartography for the competent communication of geographic information and to assess their significance with regard to cartographic communication. Necessarily, the students acquire (under guidance and in self-study) important basics of object-oriented programming and modern cartographic visualization techniques. In doing so, they acquire methodological skills for independent cartographic problem solving (creation of interactive and multimedia web maps, using among others JavaScript (library leaflet.js), HTML, CSS, ColorBrewer 2.0 and ColorOracle).

Contents

• Introduction to multimedia cartography as a modern subfield of cartography
• Basic areas of application in professional and scientific practice
• Basics in HTML and CSS (for structuring and visualizing web pages)
• Integration of different (external) media (e.g. graphics, sound, videos) in HTML pages
• Basics in JavaScript programming for interactive preparation of web content (e.g. variables, data types, operators, control structures (case distinctions and loops), multidimensional arrays)
• Creation of multimedia web applications with the JavaScript library leaflet, HTML and CSS
• integration of tilelayers from different providers (e.g. OpenStreetMap, Mapbox, Stamen Maps)
• design of cartographic signatures for integration into web applications with modern vector graphics software (e.g. Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape)
• accessible visualization of cartographic signatures with CSS, ColorBrewer 2.0 and Color Oracle
• programming of low-complexity interactive and multimedia map elements (e.g. popups, animated markers)
• Integration of point, line and area signatures (e.g. via the open vector formats GeoJSON and SVG)
• Creation of interactive thematic maps (e.g. choropleth maps)
• Project work

Teaching methods

Seminar (theory-guided teaching discussion, practical hands-on tutorials).

The teaching of methodological skills through practical exercises as well as the joint elaboration of theory-based findings in scientific discourse require the regular attendance of students at the seminar sessions (with a maximum of 2 absences).

Mode of assessment

Application of the acquired knowledge in a project work.

Additional Information

Conditions for granting credit points

Successful completion of the examination task.
 

Usage of the module
Mandatory module within the M.Sc. program in Geography, specialization in Geomatics; Elective module within the other M.Sc. specializations.

Stellenwert der Note für die Endnote
The module grade is CP-weighted (6/120) and is included in the final M.Sc. grade.