Course Description

Making attractive maps is always a challenge, and a bit of art. You need to serve the information in such way that it is easily understood and not tiresome. Too much information and you've lost the reader. Too little information and you cannot communicate your point.
Start learning Cartographic Design now!

Map Making Design Principles

This course presents design principles you can apply to create appealing and effective maps that are easy to use and understand. You will learn how to combine layout composition, color, symbology, and text to design a map that clearly communicates your intended message. Learn the basics of design with data and maps and explore map design principles by learning about the use of Map elements, colors and Typography as well as by learning and applying the General Guidelines on Map making. When you finish this course, you will have learned the basics of Cartography on Map Design and have developed a set of skills that you can use in any map visualization.

By competing this course and through the two exercises (final chapter), you will develop your map design skills and apply the theoretical principles learned. In the two exercises at the end of the course we will apply the typical cartographic Map Design process, while using three free and open-source software:

  • Inkscape to design custom vector Map symbols

  • QGIS to compose the Cartographic Map

  • GIMP (a photoshop alternative) to refine and finish-design the map composition.

Course curriculum

  1. 01
  2. 02
  3. 03

    • Lesson 6: Design Principles

    • Lesson 7: Planar and hierarchical organization

    • Lesson 8: Map Making Checklist
  4. 04

    • Lesson 9: Map Symbols

    • Lesson 10: Visual Variables

    • Lesson 11: Color Principles
  5. 05

    • Lesson 12: Six properties to consider

    • Lesson 13: General Guidelines
  6. 06

    • Data for the two exercises

    • Lesson 14: Ex.1 - Create beautiful maps using open-source free software

    • Lesson 15: Ex. 2 - Making a Map (QGIS 3)

    • Discussion with your personal virtual instructor

What will you learn?

  • Map elements & Design Principles

  • Map aesthetics and Typography

  • Gain the basic knowledge of Cartographic Design

  • Learn the main Design Principles on Map-making

  • Hands-on session: Produce maps using open-source software

  • Practice on Map making and Create efficient Maps

Pricing - Life time Access

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About your Instructor

Philip Fayad is a young and very passionate GIS enthusiast. Motivated in both industry and academia, he is currently working as a Junior Engineer while enjoying being also a Research Scientist. His research and professional interests focus mainly in Geoinformatics, Geostatistics, Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) towards spatial problem solving. Described as a Science and Technology enthusiast and an environmentally concerned individual, he takes part in many awareness activities as well as organize many events and Workshops. You can find more at his personal Website. https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipfayad https://philipkfayad.wixsite.com/home

Philip Fayad

Research Scientist

Some more information

  • Certificates of Completion

    After you successfully finish the course, you can claim your Certificate of Completion with NO extra cost! You can add it to your CV, LinkedIn profile etc

  • Available at any time! Study at your best time

    We know hard it is to acquire new skills. All our courses are self paced.

  • Online and always accessible

    Even when you finish the course and you get your certificate, you will still have access to course contents! Every time an Instructor makes an update you will be notified and be able to watch it for FREE