DUx: University College: Digital Earth

This comprehensive course offers an in-depth exploration of geotechnologies and their role in addressing social and ecological challenges. Geotechnologies encompass a wide array of tools and techniques, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing through imagery from drones, aircraft, and satellites, and precise positioning using GPS or Global Navigation Satellite Systems. Structured around a rich blend of academic readings, instructional videos, and practical exercises, the curriculum delves into various social and environmental topics across multiple scales. Participants will acquire a thorough understanding of cutting-edge mapping tools and techniques. This includes learning about map projections, the art and science of map symbology, the principles of classification, and sophisticated spatial analysis methods. A significant focus of the course is on experiential learning. You will have the opportunity to develop your web mapping applications, including interactive dashboards and multimedia story maps. Moreover, the program emphasizes fieldwork, allowing you to gather and integrate your field data into mapping projects. By the end of the course, you will have honed your skills in utilizing maps as powerful analytical instruments. This expertise will not only enhance your ability to interpret and present data effectively but also empower you to contribute to creating a brighter, more sustainable, and resilient future. The course is designed to instill confidence and proficiency in using geotechnologies, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and to advocate for meaningful change in addressing the pressing challenges of our time.

• Articulate the relationship between maps and geotechnologies, what geotechnologies are, and why they are relevant to 21st-century issues and decision-making.
• Explain and illustrate how maps are not simply reference documents but are analytical tools.
• Explain how maps help us to understand how things are and plan how things ought to be in the future (that is, for planning a more resilient, equitable, sustainable future).
• Describe the main types of maps, understand map scale, map projections, and selected map elements (legends, orientation, source).
• Describe the major societal implications of geographic information and why they matter; that is, how society influences mapping and how mapping influences society.
• Create maps from spreadsheets and existing geographic information.
• Symbolize point, line, area, and image information on maps and classify information using various methods.
• Filter, generalize, and select geographic information on maps.
• Create a web map from a field survey.
• Understand the major types of web mapping applications and communication methods: Dashboards, infographics, instant apps, and story maps.