Context
Cartography is a fundamental aspect of Geography and several other disciplines. Its main role is the creation of maps that help comprehend and interpret the world we live in – and it's so much more than simply understanding graphic representations, but it also involves the understanding of dimensions, distances, spatial relationships, such as scale, and projection.. The first of these concepts, scale, is essential for interpreting the relationships between the map and real-time measurements. Projection, however, is the method used to represent an earthly sphere on the flat surface of a map.
GeoTechnology, on the contrary, inserts technology within the geographical sphere, acting as its tool for updating and perfecting the cartographic process. For instance, one of the many ways in which this field affects Cartography is represented through GIS (Geospatial Information Systems) – which unites components such as hardware, software, geographical data in order to capture data, manage it for further analysis and to present the resulting information in map format.
In a more and more globalized world, a reasonable comprehension of cartographic principles becomes even more essential for understanding. Especially considering the growing incorporation of technological tools such as GPS and digital maps to our everyday life. By learning the basics of Cartography, we improve our skills of using these instruments in a more effective manner. Moreover, Cartography and related representations frequently exert control and influence on geo-political contexts and situations – which highlights the importance of grasping the concepts that build and shape cartographic representations..
Simultaneously, the applications of technology in the field of GeoTechnology are increasingly more common – used in areas such as territorial management and climatic forecasts, as well as city planning, environmental analysis, pandemic control, just to name a few. This growing presence makes it an important field of study in the 21st century.
To further your knowledge on the subject matters, we advise looking at the recommended resources below:
- Cartography: Concept and Techniques, e-book from MEC (Ministry of Education) library Digital Library of Education - Geo Technologies and Environment, book authored by Dr. Carlos Lock found at Editora UFSC Library - Geography Concepts and Themes, available USP Rarities Digital Library
- Geoprocessing for Beginners (in Portuguese), webpage offering tutorials and content about the usage of Geographic Technologies
Activity
Activity title
Exploring the world with maps and geo technologies
Project Objective
To implement the theories of map making and geo technologies through the design of a web map. It should include a description about the usage of different scales and projections, as well of different geo technology tools.
Step-by-step project description
Students divided in group of 3-5 people will create an online interactive map related to a theme of their choice, connected to geography (examples: population density, natural disasters, cultural heritage, biodiversity).
Necessary materials and resources
Desktop or laptop computer with internet, a free Mapbox or Goggle Maps account and any other information or data that is needed for building a map about the chosen theme.
Step-by-step description on how to do the exercise
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Theme choice and Project Planning (2h): Firstly, a theme related geography needs to be chosen to use as the focal point of the map – which may be something local, regional, national or global in scale. Having picked one, the student group must elaborate a work-plan, dividing up the work as needed and establishing deadlines for each step.
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Research and Data gathering (4h): Following the previous step, it's time for the groups to research and gather the necessary data pertaining directly to the chosen theme. Such information can be found on online data repositories, libraries and archives or from specific government departments. This data is to be then organized in tables or databases..
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Map Elaboration (6h): After the previous steps have been completed, a map can start coming together. Using platforms such as Mapbox, Google Maps and QGIS the groups can build up their creation, incorporating the necessary data as well as considering the best scales and projections to be used.
4**. Incorporation of Geo technology tools (6h)**: With the base map done, different tools can be used for incorporation, such data layers, and spatial analytic tools.
5. Report Elaboration (4h): As the creation of the web map proceeds, groups must also elaborate a detailed project report. In it, they'll need to: introduce their work (including the chosen theme, the reasons behind such choice, and possible real-world application); develop their ideas and concepts, and the methodology behind it; explain the usage of scales, projections and geo technologies used (results discussion); and present their concluding thoughts on the project, summarizing key findings. Lastly, mention any bibliographic references used for the elaboration of the project, as well as a bibliography
Project Submissions
The finished project will consist of two parts: an Interactive Web Map and a written report in PDF format; the map itself will need to come with an explanatory guide explaining how to use it, what to focus on and what is being represented. The report should detail every step taken during the whole project, from the initial planning stages, to designing, building and finalizing the product, which should be done within a theoretical framework that justifies the usage of scales and projections, and the incorporation of Geo technology tools.
The report should be organized along the follow headings: 1. Introduction Within this heading, themes must be contextualized, their relevance and real-world applications explained, as well as the project's overall objectives clearly stated
2.. Development Here, the concepts behind the choice made must be demonstrated along with an explanation about the usage of methodology during the project development. Results obtained will have to be presented and debated in this chapter.
- Conclusion This is where the most important elements must be highlighted, the learnings resulting from it and any derived concluding remarks about the project.
4.. **Bibliography **All sources used within the project's design, such as books, web pages, videos and so on.
