Web GIS is a popular term commonly used to refer to "online maps". While professional definitions are usually much more technical, "online maps" is a good starting point.
The goal of this course is to enable students to build their own online maps using two popular tools: ArcGIS Online (AGOL) and Leaflet.js. Students will gain the technical knowledge to create interactive online maps while learning the principals of effective map design & visualizations.
We will also survey crowdsourced mapping tools such as Open Street Maps, as well as other propriety web mapping tools. While learning these tools, we will discuss current topics concerning online maps such as privacy, how maps can misrepresent information, or how they can effectively engage stakeholder groups.
Students are expected to have basic familiarity with GIS terms and concepts prior to taking this course. Students with no previous GIS exposure have been successful in the course with additional work. If you have no prior GIS experience, please contact the instructor (Shelley Hoover, [email protected]).
Students are not expected to have any prior programming knowledge and will learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in the course.
The pace of this course is fast. Because many of the lessons build upon previous assignments, students are expected to meet deadlines and request assistance when necessary.
Course Dates: June 16 – Wednesday, August 4, 2021 (8 weeks)
Class Times: Wednesdays 6:00pm–8:30pm
Course Type Synchronous Online (Zoom)
| Class | Date | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wed, June 16 | Introduction to course & web maps |
| 2 | Wed, June 23 | Create a web map with AGOL |
| 3 | Wed, June 30 | AGOL- Web Mapping Applications |
| 4 | Wed, July 7 | AGOL & Humanitarian Street Maps - Crowdsourced Mapping |
| 5 | Wed, July 14 | HTML & CSS - Make a Website |
| 6 | Wed, July 21 | Create a web map with Leaflet |
| 7 | Wed, July 28 | Add interactivity to Leaflet Map |
| 8 | Wed, August 4 | Final Presentations & Survey of Other Tools |
Submit assignments to Blackboard
| Assignment | Points | Date Assigned | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGOL Web Map | 10 | Wed, June 23 | Tue, June 29 (11:59pm) |
| AGOL Web App & Story Map | 15 | Wed, June 30 | Tue, July 6 (11:59pm) |
| AGOL Project | 25 | Wed, July 7 | Tues, July 13 (11:59pm) |
| Simple Website | 10 | Wed, July 14 | Tues, July 20 (11:59pm) |
| Static Leaflet Map | 15 | Wed, July 21 | Tues, July 27 (11:59pm) |
| Leaflet Project | 25 | Wed, July 28 | Wed, August 4 (6pm) |
Student performance will be evaluated on the basis of four homework assignments and two projects. Assignments will be graded according to the rubric of each assignment. Additionally the instructor will be evaluating map design, functionality, and that the student demonstrates an understanding of the content.
| Total | |
|---|---|
| 20 points | HW 1 & 3 x 10 points each |
| 30 points | HW 2 & 4 x 15 points each |
| 50 points | 2 projects x 25 points each |
| 100 points | Total |
Some useful tools & resources:
React
Typescript
Django
Laravel
Facebook
Microsoft
Google
Alibaba
D3
Tencent