Teaching multivariate thematic map making : the example of socio-economic maps for Northern South Africa

Abstract

This collection comprises maps prepared by UP Honours students in geoinformatics during a course in thematic cartography in 2017. Each of the seven students prepared two A4 thematic maps: a black-and-white map following cartographic principles and rules, and a coloured map with infographics design elements. Each student used a different set of socio-economic variables from the 2011 Census for the 17 district municipalities of the four most northern provinces of South Africa (North West, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga). As a final learning opportunity, the students' final maps were enhanced by a well-trained cartographer. The 28 maps can be used as a teaching tool to make students aware of the power of thematic maps to reveal geographic patterns and relations. Each map demonstrates the effect of the respective cartographic representation method, and collectively they show that diversity of visualization options matters when telling a story with a map. By placing the student maps next to the maps enhanced by cartographically experienced map makers, the impacts of correctly applied cartographic principles are revealed, and can be discussed when teaching thematic cartography. Similarly, students can be made aware of potential misinterpretations by map readers as a consequence of flaws in the map making process.