GEOG 214           3 Credit Hours

Principle and Methods of Map Interpretation

This information is for second semester 2017/2018 academic year

Teacher responsible

Dr. Gerald A.B. Yiran            Mr. S.K. Kufogbe

Availability

This course is available open to all visiting students but only as a second semester course.

Course content

The course is designed to introduce students to the principles and methods of map making and the skills for interpreting features and extracting information from maps. The course focuses on concepts and procedures used in discovering and applying relationships within and among maps. Emphasis is laid on fundamental principles, concepts, techniques and methods of cartography. Thus, the course will include practical sessions on map interpretation and measurements. Students will be introduced to the global positioning system (GPS) and its practical use as modern equipment for data collection.

Teaching

The course content will be delivered in class and will consist of lectures, labs, tutorials and assignments.

Formative coursework

There will be at least one major interim assessment (IA) and a final exam at the end of the semester. Students are expected to undertake presentations which will contribute to their final grades. The IA will be on the materials covered during lectures. Success in this course depends on reading widely on the topics to be treated, and is highly recommended.

Indicative Reading 

Arthur H. Robinson, Joel L. Morrison, Philip C. Muehrcke, A. Jon Kimerling and Stephen C. Guptill 1995, Elements of Cartography 6th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York 

YIRAN, G., OWUSU, A. & KUFOGBE, S. 2013. Understanding field techniques for geographic data collection.

Monmonier, M. (1991, 1996) How to Lie with Maps, University of Chicago Press

Hilton, T.E. (1961) Practical Geography in Africa, Longmans, London.

Keates, J.S. (1989) Cartographic Design and Production, 2nd Ed. Longman Scientific, Harlow Essex

Assessment and Grading

• There will be no written IA exams
• Continuous assessment (weekly assignments)     40%
• End of semester exams                                        60%

Grading Scale: