Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - GEOG 351 D100

Multimedia Cartography (4)

Class Number: 1093

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 255.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Elements of cartographic analysis, design and visualization, with an emphasis on digital mapping, animation techniques, cartographic software and internet mapping. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description: The course focuses on elements of cartographic analysis, design, and visualization, with an emphasis on digital and internet mapping. Practical foundation about the current developments and applications in the expanding fields of multimedia cartography and web GIS will be addressed. Students will combine digital mapping principles and spatial information design methods to construct and implement high quality mapping applications for use on the web, mobile and other platforms. The focus is to create engaging GIS mapping solutions with none or minimal computer programming that enables communication, analysis and decision-making. The topics will include: fundamental cartographic principles, web and mobile GIS deployment, multimedia cartography design, open geoportals and atlases, storymaps, citizen science, multi-dimensional cartography and spatial simulations.

Lectures: Students will learn theoretical and applied multimedia cartography principles through formal lectures, readings, computer labs, individual assignments and a final project. GIS, mapping and data analysis software will be used to explore real-world solutions using open geospatial data. There will be a strong emphasis on problem-based and interactive learning. There is no textbook, but selected weekly readings will be made available to enhance and extend understanding of the materials presented in the class lectures.

Computer Labs: The computer labs will use GIS software, geospatial data, and mapping software to reinforce the concepts and methods presented in the class lectures, and to progressively develop practical competence in the design and development of multimedia cartographic solutions for spatial problems.

Format: In-Person delivery for both lectures and GIS computer labs. The course begins on September 8th.

Notes:

  • The assessment categories are subject to change on short notice depending on the number of students enrolled, available resources and any changing circumstances during the term.
  • This course may be applied towards the GIS Certificate Program and the GIS Minor.
  • Class on September 8th, October 6th, November 3rd and December 1st will be in WMC 2200

Grading

  • assignments 45%
  • quizzes 30%
  • final project 25%

NOTES:

There is no final exam. All marks in the course are absolute and not scaled or assigned based on a curve.

REQUIREMENTS:

Requirements for In-Person Learning: The Esri ArcGIS Pro software will be made available at no cost for in-person use in the GIS computer lab during the course. For work outside the GIS computer laboratory, students can use a modern Windows computer and reliable internet connection to progress their work. Mac computers may not be fully compatible with the GIS software used.

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.