Maps and data visualisations play a major role in the way we conceive, interpret and communicate the ever more diverse and complex forms of data collected about the planet. This module will equip students with an in-depth knowledge of the principles of good visualisation and enable them to deploy complex cartographical techniques in the creation of sophisticated maps and graphics. The course will be of interest to any students seeking careers where communicating with data is an important skill.

The course aims are as follows:

1. To equip and empower students to create robust, reliable and pioneering maps and graphics from a range of innovative sources of data.
2. To critique current visualisation practice and place it in social and societal context.
3. Develop students’ ability to apply quantitative skills and use secondary data to understand current social issues and public policy debates.
4. Develop students’ ability to communicate the complexities/ limitations of data and data analysis.

After completing this module students will:
1. Emulate the latest developments and best practice in data visualisation and mapping.
2. Develop competencies in different software packages in order to exploit the full breadth of data available for advanced mapping and visualisation.
3. Become proficient in data storytelling through complex datasets.
4. Have a portfolio of work that can be used as examples for job interviews or in applications for further study.

This module will usually be delivered via 30 hours of formal contact time comprising a series of formal lectures (1 hour per week) followed by instructor-led seminars and computer-based practical classes (2 hours).

Students will also benefit from a significant range of online resources already developed by the convener and extensive use will be made of the department’s map library.

This is an applied module so students are expected to create maps/ visualisations independently and in groups as part of their learning for the module. This will be facilitated via weekly activities and the requirement to maintain a blog throughout the course, which forms part of the assessment.

The module will have a dedicated Moodle course page. This will contain lecture slides, practical exercise materials and details of readings and assessments.

The pre-requisites for undergraduate students are: either GEOG0018 Methods in Human Geography OR GEOG0030 Geocomputation OR Q-Step pathway. This course makes use of R and students must be familiar and confident with this software environment. Prior knowledge of the software and also spatial data will assumed in the practical component of this module.