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103-0214-AAL 5 Credits MSC D-BAUG
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Cartography Fundamentals

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Lorenz Hurni
Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement. Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:47:41

Abstract

Basic knowhow about communication with spatial information by using plans and maps, about the most important design rules and production methods for map graphics.

Objective

Acquire basic knowhow about communication with spatial information by using plans and maps, about the most important design rules and production methods for map graphics. Ability to assess existing products with respect to their content-related and design quality. Ability to design proper plans and well designed legends for basic maps.

Content

Definitions "map" and "cartography", map types, current tasks and situation of cartography, map history, spatial reference systems, map projections, map conception and workflow planning, map design, analogue and digital map production technology, prepress technology, printing technology, topographic maps, map critics.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Will be distributed module by module.

Literature

- Field, Kenneth (2018): Cartography. ESRI Press. ISBN 978-1-58948-439-91-58948-439-8. - Terry A. Slocum, Terry et al. (2014): Thematic Cartography and Geographic Visualization. 3nd ed. Pearson Prentice Hall. ISBN 978-1-292-04067-7. - Further references and other materials will be distributed by the supervisors. - Students are requested to contact the supervisors in advance for detailed instructions.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
revision course / private study Cartography Fundamentals
Self-study course. No presence required. References and other materials will be distributed by the supervisors.
No time listed 150 h semesterly

Offered In