Cartography

Code: GEO13360L

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Geography

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Sustainable Development Goals

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Learning Goals

It is intended that students acquire the concepts, methods, and the fundamental techniques of cartography as a tool for research, planning and teaching in geography. Mastered the basics of graphic expression and cartography, necessary for the design and interpretation of maps. Have knowledge of the principal types of cartographic documents produced and used with most interest to the geography. Know using appropriate methods and techniques for the communication of results. Undertake the preparation of thematic maps using geographic information systems. Can apply knowledge of Cartography to the work to be undertaken in the framework of other disciplines of geography course.

1.Graphic and cartographic expression. Fundamental concepts of graphic and cartographic expression; use and elaboration of various types of maps. Main stages of evolution of Portuguese cartography.
2.Characteristics of cartographic information: scales; projections, geographic and rectangular coordinates; cartographic symbols; the legend of the map.
3.Thematic mapping. The design phases of a thematic map. The visual variables.
4.Introduction to geographic representation: from cartography to GIS, historical evolution of digital cartography.
5.Introduction of the concept of geographic information system: Presentation of the basic characteristics of spatial data models, i.e. vector data models, raster data models and other spatial data models, with an introductory evaluation of their main possibilities and limitations.
6.Introduction to spatial analysis in GIS: spatial patterns and relations; geo-referencing
7.Introduction to GIS mapping.
8.Design and creation of a digital map.

Teaching Methods

The teaching method is based on the presentation of theoretical concepts and associated methodologies in accordance with the structure of academic materials in documentary support, presentation of power points, use Moodle platform, use of software for initiation to GIS. In classes students are encouraged to participate and discuss the fundamental concepts and the methods associated with the topics of presentation and design of a thematic map. Academic materials available include the use of personal computers (use of software excel, ArcGis or Qgis), paper, raster and digital maps and self-assessment exercises, scientific articles and other documentation considered relevant. The assessment method is based on the following mandatory particulars: theoretical and practical examination - 50%; final draft project (integrating the design and creation of a digital map) 50%.