Login Create Account

Back to Course Catalog

ESM291Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Map Analysis

This course, Map Analysis, is designed for Environmental Science and Resource Management students. It introduces fundamental concepts of maps, including their evolution, characteristics, components, types, and uses. Students will learn about map analysis tasks, geographical features, map symbols, scales, projections, coordinate systems, directions, and bearings. The course also covers the analysis and interpretation of settlements, point, linear, areal, and relief features on maps, equipping students with analytical skills for decision-making.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

195h

Study Time

13

Weeks

15h

Per Week

intermediate

Math Level

Course Keywords

Map AnalysisCartographyGeographical FeaturesMap SymbolsScale

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📊

Math Level

Moderate Math

🔬

Learning Type

Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Introduction to Maps

2

Map Components

3

Map Types

4

Map Analysis Tasks

5

Map Scale and Projections

6

Coordinate Systems

7

Settlement Analysis

8

Point Feature Analysis

9

Linear Feature Analysis

10

Areal Feature Analysis

11

Relief Feature Analysis

Total Topics11 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Geography

Basic Mathematics

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (2 methods)

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Cartographer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Geospatial Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Urban Planner

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

GIS Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Environmental ManagementUrban PlanningResource ManagementTransportationDefense and Security

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Introduction to Maps and Map Analysis

4h

Unit 1: What is a Map?

2 study hours

•Define what a map is and its role in representing geographic information.
•Explore the evolution of maps from ancient drawings to modern digital representations.
•Discuss how maps serve as a means of communication and a tool for understanding spatial concepts.

Unit 2: Characteristics and Components of Maps

2 study hours

•Examine the characteristics of maps, including scale, symbols, and projections.
•Identify the essential components of maps such as title, orientation, scale, legend, grid, and author.
•Understand how these components contribute to effective map reading and interpretation.

Week

2

Module 1: Introduction to Maps and Map Analysis

4h

Unit 3: Types/Classes of Map

2 study hours

•Categorize different types of maps, including topographic, thematic, geologic, and climate maps.
•Describe the major information content of each type of map and its specific applications.
•Discuss how different maps serve various purposes in fields like geography, geology, and environmental science.

Unit 4: Functions/Uses of Maps Functions/Uses of Maps

2 study hours

•Highlight the importance of maps in various aspects of human activity.
•Identify the functions of maps, including navigation, data display, spatial indexing, and data analysis.
•Discuss how maps are used in media, education, tourism, geology, town planning, and military operations.

Week

3

Module 1: Introduction to Maps and Map Analysis

3h

Unit 5: What is Map Analysis?

3 study hours

•Define map analysis and its role in extracting information from maps.
•Identify the tasks involved in map analysis, including classification, delineation, enumeration, and measurement.
•Discuss the procedures for accomplishing each task and their importance in spatial understanding.

Week

4

Module 2: Basic Concepts and Elements of Map Analysis

4h

Unit 1: The Concept of Geographical Features/Data

2 study hours

•Explain the concept of geographical features and data used in map making.
•Identify different types of geographical features, including points, lines, and polygons.
•Discuss the sources of data for map making, including primary and secondary sources.

Unit 2: The Concept of Map Symbols

2 study hours

•Understand the meaning of map symbols and their role in representing geographical features.
•Identify various types of map symbols, including point, line, area, conventional, literal, and pictorial symbols.
•Discuss how different symbols are used to convey qualitative and quantitative information on maps.

Week

5

Module 2: Basic Concepts and Elements of Map Analysis

3h

Unit 3: The Concept of Scale

3 study hours

•Explain the meaning of scale and its importance in map reading.
•Identify different types of map scales, including representative fraction, statement, and linear scale.
•Learn how to convert from one form of scale to another and recognize different sizes of scale.

Week

6

Module 2: Basic Concepts and Elements of Map Analysis

4h

Unit 4: The Concept of Map Projection

2 study hours

•Examine the concept of map projection and its role in representing the Earth's curved surface on a flat map.
•Identify the elements and classes of map projection, including cylindrical, conical, and azimuthal projections.
•Discuss the distortions associated with map projections and their impact on map accuracy.

Unit 5: Coordinates, Directions and Bearings

2 study hours

•Explain the meaning of geographical coordinate systems and their importance in locating features on maps.
•Discuss compass directions and bearings and their role in determining the relative positions of places.
•Identify various coordinate systems and their applications in map analysis.

Week

7

Module 3: Map Analysis and Interpretation

3h

Unit 1: Analysis of Settlements

3 study hours

•Identify and classify different types of settlements, including rural and urban settlements.
•Analyze settlement patterns, including dispersed, nucleated, linear, and homestead patterns.
•Discuss the factors influencing settlement types and patterns.

Week

8

Module 3: Map Analysis and Interpretation

3h

Unit 2: Analysis of Point Features

3 study hours

•Identify the various ways point features can be analyzed on maps.
•Illustrate how point features are analyzed, including enumeration, density calculation, and measurement of clustering.
•Apply these techniques to understand the distribution and characteristics of point features.

Week

9

Module 3: Map Analysis and Interpretation

3h

Unit 3: Analysis of Linear Features

3 study hours

•Explain the different shapes of linear features and their representation on maps.
•Identify and measure parameters of linear features, such as length and distance.
•Analyze relationships among linear features, including road network connectivity and drainage patterns.

Week

10

Module 3: Map Analysis and Interpretation

3h

Unit 4: Analysis of Areal Features

3 study hours

•Measure the perimeter of aerial features on maps.
•Determine the area of polygons using methods like square grid, strip, and triangular methods.
•Apply these techniques to calculate the area and perimeter of various aerial features.

Week

11

Module 3: Map Analysis and Interpretation

3h

Unit 5: Analysis of Relief Features

3 study hours

•Identify different types of landforms and their representation on maps.
•Study how relief types are represented using contour lines and other methods.
•Discuss slopes, cross-sections, and intervisibility in the context of relief analysis.

Week

12

Final Revision

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours

•Review all modules and units.
•Work on Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs).
•Focus on areas of weakness.

Week

13

Final Revision

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours

•Complete all outstanding assignments.
•Prepare for final examinations.
•Consult tutor for clarifications.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review definitions of key cartographic terms from Units 1-5, creating flashcards for quick recall.

2

Practice scale conversions from Unit 3 weekly, focusing on RF to statement and linear scale conversions.

3

Create diagrams illustrating different map projections from Unit 4, noting their properties and distortions.

4

Solve practice problems calculating point feature density and nearest neighbor index from Unit 2 of Module 3.

5

Draw cross-sections from contour maps (Unit 5 of Module 3) weekly, practicing intervisibility determination.

6

Study different types of drainage patterns (Unit 3 of Module 3) and their characteristics, using real-world examples.

7

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and focus on areas where marks were lost.

Related Courses

Other courses in Sciences that complement your learning

Fundamentals of Data Structures

Oscillations and Waves

General Biochemistry Laboratory II

View All Sciences Courses