Maps and the Geospatial Revolution
Learn how advances in geospatial technology and analytical methods have changed how we do everything, and discover how to make maps and analyze geographic patterns using the latest tools.The past decade has seen an explosion of new mechanisms for understanding and using location information in widely-accessible technologies. This Geospatial Revolution has resulted in the development of consumer GPS tools, interactive web maps, and location-aware mobile devices. These radical advances are making it possible for people from all walks of life to use, collect, and understand spatial information like never before.
This course brings together core concepts in cartography, geographic information systems, and spatial thinking with real-world examples to provide the fundamentals necessary to engage with Geography beyond the surface-level. We will explore what makes spatial information special, how spatial data is created, how spatial analysis is conducted, and how to design maps so that they’re effective at telling the stories we wish to share. To gain experience using this knowledge, we will work with the latest mapping and analysis software to explore geographic problems.
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Syllabus
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Getting Started
The Changing Nature of Place
Week 2
Spatial is Special
Week 3
Understanding Spatial Data
Week 4
Doing Spatial Analysis
Week 5
Making Great Maps
FAQ
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Do I need to purchase any special software for this class?
Nope - you'll be using free WebGIS services in this course. No large downloads or software purchases are required to participate in this class.
What sort of computer works best for this class?
Most people will be fine to take this class with a laptop or desktop computer that has a contemporary web browser. Some have been successful completing the lab exercises in this class using phones/tablets, but the mapping assignments are not designed to be completed on mobile platforms at this time.
Reviews
Great intro to not just GIS, but mapping and geography principles as a whole.
This course is really worth of it, for knowing, creating maps in open source software.
Interesting course with lots knowledge of the geographical location GIS
This was a great introductory class to geospatial thinking. I really like how the class is set up, the content is easy to digest and explained in an exciting manner.
