Cartography

Esri via Independent

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Details

This course may be unavailable.

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Provider

Independent
Pricing

Free Online Course
Languages

English
Duration & workload

6 weeks
Sessions

Finished

A Best Course of All Time

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Overview

Once, only cartographers made maps. Today anyone can. Still, cartographers can teach people to make better maps, just as chefs can show people how to cook better meals. With coaching from experienced cartographers and practical, hands-on exercises using ArcGIS Pro, you'll become a smarter mapmaker, ready to go beyond the defaults and make better maps.

Syllabus

Section 1

Getting Started: Let's Get Mapping

Consider the value and purpose of cartography as science and art. Get set up with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and exercise data. Use ArcGIS Pro to design a small-format, multiscale topographic map, using generalization tools and scale-dependent symbology. Use layouts for composition. Add contextual detail, insets, legends, and marginalia.

Section 2

Math for Mapmakers

Explore how coordinate systems, transformations, and projections affect your map's message. Deal with the effects of projections and data classification methods on thematic maps. Design and publish a custom basemap in a nonstandard projection to support thematic data. Build attribute-driven symbology. Publish a multiscale web map and app.

Section 3

Language of Graphics

See how generalization, symbology, and color affect your story. Explore generalization techniques that reduce feature complexity for smaller-scale displays. Create a variety of thematic maps, including choropleth, proportional symbol, value-by alpha, and multivariate maps. Change symbology and use transparency in creative ways.

Section 4

Labels and Composition

Learn a little about typography, label placement, and map composition. Set up a palette of label styles for different features and explore options for positioning them around other map details. Create a layout that includes a range of marginalia. Use ArcGIS expressions to define labels in innovative ways.

Section 5

Mapping in 3D

Consider how to best use the z dimension to represent data for both reference and thematic maps. Use 3D symbology and develop a sense of when 3D adds value to your map. Build 3D web scenes and vary the way features are represented using attributes and dynamic symbology.

Section 6

Mapping Change

Use the time-aware and animation controls in ArcGIS Pro to design maps that show temporal change. Direct an animated movie to map change; add captions and dynamic overlay information; and publish in a range of popular, shareable formats. Create a display of small multiples for an infographic poster.

Reviews

4.8 rating, based on 199 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Cartography

Anonymous

This course was a good review of some basic cartographic skills using ArcGIS Pro, such as information about projections, scaling, symbology, etc. There was also good information about 3D mapping and animated maps. I highly recommend this course to someone who wants to get started with improving their mapping skills, or someone who is already familiar with cartography and would like a fun informational review.
S.A.Rasooli @Rasooli

I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the Esri cartography course teachers. They have done an excellent job of delivering high-quality content and engaging activities that helped me learn and apply the principles and techniques of cartography. I have gained valuable skills and knowledge to enhance my professional development and career prospects. The course was well-organized, informative, and enjoyable. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning about cartography and GIS. Thank you for your dedication and expertise.
Lily Jennifer @lramirez

Thorough, inciteful, positively challenging with a creative push. The videos were a great addition as students were able to relate to hosts and connect with their work via social media. I was able to fine tune my GIS skills and learned a few new tricks and tips which can make my cartography skills speed up!
Anonymous

This was my first foray into ArcPro. And it had a lot of interesting bells and whistles to it. The MOOC focused on a lot of things that were way above my skill level, like animation and 3D mapping, and I felt that while it was interesting to see wha…

This was my first foray into ArcPro. And it had a lot of interesting bells and whistles to it. The MOOC focused on a lot of things that were way above my skill level, like animation and 3D mapping, and I felt that while it was interesting to see what could be done with it, that I personally would probably never have reason to do it.

It had a lot of things that I as a simple mapper would probably never need, but I did appreciate a few of the simple cartography tools. Symbology was a lot more powerful than in its ArcMap cousin.

As far as the videos went, I didn't get much out of them besides the opinions of the three people in them and the interesting old cartography tools they were looking at. I'm a visual person, and the lack of examples of what they were talking about meant that I had little to no idea as to what some of the things they talked about would actually look like. I feel that this hampered my ability to understand considerably.

I really enjoyed the layout of the tutorial documents. It was incredibly easy to get lost in ArcPro, but the pictures made navigation much easier in something so strange and foreign. I found the exercises interesting, even if for most of them that scared-of-change voice in the back of my head whispered "why are they doing it this way when ArcMap does it another way?". I found labeling almost as aggravating as in ArcMap, but there were a few things that came in handy (breaking up by classes).

I wish that I had more time to devote to this MOOC; it might have been interesting to take a look at the forums. But I feel that the theory discussed in the tutorials was useful. I wish that this MOOC talked more about the theory behind symbology; what works, and some general rules. Symbology is one of the toughest things for me, and I would have appreciated some sort of section focusing on it as thoroughly as map projections were focused on.

All that aside, I'm glad that I was able to participate in this MOOC. Thank you for having me.
Catherine Schenck-yglesias @cgschenck

Step by step instructions and maps that you can save after each course assignment. Plus welcome advice from experts on the art of map-making.
George Kerre

The cartography training course provided a transformative journey into the art and science of map design. From mastering design principles to leveraging GIS technology like ArcGIS Pro, it equipped participants with the skills to create compelling maps. Instructors, with their expertise and passion, fostered a collaborative learning environment, reinforcing theoretical concepts through practical exercises. The course emphasized storytelling through maps, enabling participants to weave narratives that resonate with audiences. Overall, it was an enlightening and enriching experience that instilled a newfound appreciation for the significance of maps in shaping our understanding of the world.
Anonymous

Amigos estoy muy contento, soy geógrafo, estos cursos de cartografía son muy escasos y hay que aprovecharlos, todo se concentra ahora en el manejo de herramientas tecnológicas, pero también es fundamental manejar conceptos básicos sino la lógica cartográfica se pierde, finalmente también es necesario difundir la cartografía social y humana que en el presente se está perdiendo, saludos, Fabian Yánez.-Riobamba-ECUADOR
Anonymous

Interesting and enriching experience, the materials and the exercises were adapted to the objectives of the course. first, i want to thank you for an interesting and enriching experience.
The videos animated by the imminent specialists who in a very fluid way and a very simple speech were able to attract my interest for the continuation of the course .
Thank you Esri for this great experience
Anonymous

Really great course, also for GIS beginners such as myself. The weekly videos and exercises were engaging and easy to follow. Covers a wide range of topics within cartography. Definitely worth it!
Anonymous

The MOOC has really helped me develop and improve my Cartography and mapping skills. Thank you so much Esri, Ken Field and team for this wonderful opportunity.
Anonymous

While the course if full of good information, videos are too chatty. I want substance, not banter.
And now I am filling this with nothing because they require a minimum length of the review. This is forcing me to create the same chatty nothing that prompted the critique.
Nurul Huda Anggraeni

As Data Scientist and Analyst, This course makes me feel better to learn and learn about cartography skills. That's an amazing course for me. Thank you MOOC Teams
Dendup Tshering

Cartography helps us understand our place in the world, analyze positional relationships, and reflect on geography's effect on our daily lives. It's important to note that cartography deals in representations of the world: representations shaped by…

Cartography helps us understand our place in the world, analyze positional relationships, and reflect on geography's effect on our daily lives. It's important to note that cartography deals in representations of the world: representations shaped by the purpose of the map and intentions of the map maker. Cartography is the process of making maps by displaying a specific geographic area on a surface, usually a flat surface such as paper or a computer screen. ... Some common types of maps are general reference maps, nautical and aeronautical charts, and thematic maps. only cartographers made maps. Today anyone can. Still, cartographers can teach people to make better maps, just as chefs can show people how to cook better meals. With coaching from experienced cartographers and practical, hands-on exercises using ArcGIS Pro, you'll become a smarter mapmaker, ready to go beyond the defaults and make better maps. Overall, cartography is a mixture of art, science, and technology. In this respect, cartographers find their jobs challenging and enjoyable. Cartographer jobs (only doing cartography) are becoming rare. It's difficult to find a job just doing cartography, as you'll have to be skilled in other fields as well.
Anonymous

Whether you are brand new to working with spatial data or have been a long-time veteran of ArcGIS, this is an excellent course that provides a broad yet detailed overview of basic principles of cartography with exceptionally well-explained exercises…

Whether you are brand new to working with spatial data or have been a long-time veteran of ArcGIS, this is an excellent course that provides a broad yet detailed overview of basic principles of cartography with exceptionally well-explained exercises and activities. Largely a self-directed class, this MOOC focuses on becoming familiar with and utilizing ArcGIS Pro and working through a variety of exercises focused on using different projections, data classification, how to label maps at different scales, thematic maps, and how to construct 3D maps. Although I have taken coursework in GIS, this was an excellent refresher on basic tools and processes in ArcGIS Pro and additionally taught me a lot about aesthetics and effectively communicating visual data to various audiences. Highly recommended.
Anonymous

Overall it was very good. I learned some new techniques for making better maps and I have already started implementing some of the strategies in my maps I've been working on the last few weeks. The exercises were very detailed and quite easy to foll…

Overall it was very good. I learned some new techniques for making better maps and I have already started implementing some of the strategies in my maps I've been working on the last few weeks. The exercises were very detailed and quite easy to follow most of the time. However, I do have to say it always took at least twice as long as it said it would to complete an exercise. Perhaps that was because I was getting used to ArcGis Pro. The ones in section 3 seemed to be the longest, there was multiple ones, which required creating new layers again and again. It might be because my computer is slow too. Perhaps an exercise which factors in slower computers and stating a more resaonable/average time for completing them would be good thing to think about. Other than that, it was great!
Anonymous

I love how the organizers really did well in making the class not boring, especially the videos of each section! They were fun to listen to and some of their cheerfulness / animation is also translated into the exercises. I just wish I had more time to finish the course. I do mine while also working, so sometime when there's a lot of work to be done, this course takes a back seat. But I really learned a lot, even with many years of map making before this course. I would recommend this course to others, and if another cartography MOOC (part 2) would be offered, I would definitely sign up!. Thanks so much to Ken, Edie, Wes, John, and Nathan. You all did splendid work!
Anonymous

This is very important course that I would like to encourage everyone who wish to become a true Cartographer and having all required skills of making a good map and communicate through mapping. When you take your time and exercise all exercise, it is fun. All tutorials are well prepared and help user to understand quickly. On my side, Can do a good map using ArcGIS Pro and having all elements of the map, cartographic skills and my own skills and design due to I have attended this course.
Anonymous

I had never taken an ArcGIS Pro course before, so whatever skills I had were just self-taught. Therefore, my workflow was not efficient at all. The Esri MOOC Cartography course was fun and rich with interesting exercises that taught me a little bit more about the world, history of cartography, principles of graphic design, and a LOT of trips and tricks to make ArcGIS Pro more user-friendly. I feel more confidant in using the software for 2D and 3D maps.
Anonymous

Excellent intro to effectively communicating with cartography using Esri ArcGIS Pro software (aka ArcPro). On completion of the course, the student may download a certificate. The course is divided up into 6 sections, and each section begins with…

Excellent intro to effectively communicating with cartography using Esri ArcGIS Pro software (aka ArcPro). On completion of the course, the student may download a certificate.

The course is divided up into 6 sections, and each section begins with a video followed by exercise lessons, a quiz and a MOOC forum participation component. The videos are of the instructors discussing the topic of the week, a "show and tell" of a few old-school cartography tools (so you appreciate modern computer tools!) and pet peeves or "cartofails". The lessons exercises are very well written with screenshots (PDF format). Data used in the exercise is provided via download. The lessons begin with step-by-step instruction; next level refers back to steps learned earlier (with reminder hints); and finally directs a task to be performed without providing hints back to the steps which were relies on steps done earlier in a similar task. An optional "stretch" or challenge task is given for those who wish to challenge themselves further and receive feedback.

Some technical comments:
ArcPro: Software download, only runs on Windows 10. Free license granted for the duration of MOOC plus about one week afterwards. Software is graphically intensive, so program may run slowly on an entry level laptop.

Videos: May be viewed from any browser. However, some may experience viewing problems since the video server domain (amazonaws.com) is on a network security blacklist for phishing. (Try watching the video from a different network.)

This is a very informative course for learning cartography basics, and to get familiar with ArcPro. Highly recommended!
Hongji

I learned a lot of Cartography skills and techniques. I have seen many creative stories and ideas. I gained experience and interest in mapping. Most importantly, I love cartography and maps more. I see the connection that maps bring to the world…

I learned a lot of Cartography skills and techniques.

I have seen many creative stories and ideas.

I gained experience and interest in mapping.

Most importantly, I love cartography and maps more. I see the connection that maps bring to the world that has never been cut off.

Maps represent communication and connection. In which, it is our flowing emotion and thinking. We divided into tributaries. And together again. We embrace each other. And reborn.

When you and I are drawing a map of the same place, our map must look different, but we are imagining the same place and ourselves there. If one day we meet, please share your map with me, and we will form a more beautiful map story.

I highly recommend this course!

https://www.esri.com/training/catalog/596e584bb826875993ba4ebf/cartography./
Anonymous

This course was a mix of basics review and accompanying (meatier) project in which the basics were applied to real world examples. I thought it excellent and very helpful on 3 fronts: it gets you moving around in, and comfortable with, ArcGIS Pro. It is sprinkled throughout with tips and good map making advice from cartographic experts. Lastly, it is a broad sweep, exposure, to a wide range of Pro's functionality, in a tiny course created with advanced beginners in mind. An exception, imagery isn't specifically addressed in this course.