  Lecture 1  
INTRODUCTION
1. Why are Cartography and Geomatics important?
"The eye will learn more
in one hour from a mappe than the eare will learn from discourse" Thomas Fuller, 1690
.. [ a picture says 1000 words]. Some educators believe that 'gRaphicacy' should be the 4th 'R' (Reading,
wRiting, aRithmetic), ['ComputeRs' are now the 5th ] Example of an excellent graphic
2. Cartography & Geomatics / GIS
Before computers, maps were drawn using pen and ink or photo-mechanically. This required greater degrees of arts or craftmanship than current computer-based mapping. Modern digital mapping has been said to 'democratise' cartography e.g. Google maps. In this course, you will learn, what this means and why this is both a good and a bad thing.
Computers have linked mapping techniques under the umbrella term : Geomatics which includes all the following:
a. Cartography
Cartography: "The art, science and technology of making maps"
b. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
GIS: "Automated systems for the management, analysis, input and output of
spatial data"
c. Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
GPS: "Accurate method of determination of ground locations using
measurements from satellites"
Related site: GPS nuts
d. Surveying
Surveying: "science of determination of accurate coordinates of terrestrial locations"
e. Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry: "derivation of 2D or 3D locations from stereo pairs of aerial photography
f. Remote Sensing
Remote Sensing: "Acquisition of information about a planetary surface or atmosphere from a distance" ASTER
3. Course Objectives
- To gain a basic background in mapping
and GIS and become graphically (& computer) literate
- To gain confidence in drawing maps for your
self, colleagues, small business, etc.
- To understand digital spatial data & its
management and manipulation.
4. Questions Asked by Students About Geog205
Is
Geog205 a hard course?
Maybe-there is an infinite amount to be learned about this technical
area, but no - this is an introductory course.
Will it be fun?
Working with images
tends to be more fun than mere text and numbers (working with 'old' computers is less fun)
Will I turn into a mapping geek?
With developments such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and 3D mapping, most people think its pretty cool.
Will I know enough about GIS afterwards?
Cartography and
maps are the basis of GIS, but Geog300 and more are required to go
further in 'GIS'.
Will it help me get a job?
Employment
opportunities are good in computer mapping and GIS. You will
be a relative 'expert' compared to those who have not been exposed to
digital mapping techniques.
Do I need to be a computer whiz?
No, but it wouldn't
hurt. Computer science majors have an advantage in working with
computer operating systems, but this is offset without an
understanding of spatial data. Novice computer users might consider
CPSC150
By
now, haven't all the maps been made already and all map data collected?
Not even close - it
will never all be done, especially for a country as large as Canada: and all maps / data are outdated.
Can
I only use the GIS Lab in my alloted lab time slot?
No, you can
use the Lab any time when it is open (~ 8.30-4.30), unless there
is a full lab section working, and also by arrangement on weekends and
evenings. You can also access the lab software remotely from your home.
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