REQUIREMENTS

The requirements for the course are as follows: (1) Great Map Hunt (30%); 2) 3-D Map OR 3–D Landscape (30%); (3) Interactive Map Web Project (40%); and (4) a self-evaluation (1 page, typed, single-spaced) assessing your performance in the course (not graded but required).

ASSIGNMENTS

There are two preliminary and one major assignment in the course. They are:

1) The Great Map Hunt (preliminary)

The goal of this assignment is to begin the preliminary work for your final project. To that end, select a topic or explore an idea that includes analysis of a map for successful interpretation. You might, for example, begin with a historical question in which a map plays a major role. Find several examples of the map or maps on the web. As part of your weblog, write a brief commentary in which you describe the historical topic or question and assess how each of the maps might be used or not in your project. In your conclusion, speculate about how the map might be used in your project. What, for instance, might have to be done to the map to make it more legible? More explanatory? More easily explored? Your blog entry should also include illustrations or be accompanied by a photo album. Most important, your last illustration should be the first draft of your Illustrator/Flash map.)

2. 3-D Map (Lo-Tech) OR 3-D Historical Landscape
(hi- tech) (preliminary)

For this iteration of the course, there are two choices: a 3-D Map or a 3-D Historical Landscape. There are advantages and disadvantages to each assignment, but both aimed at introducing you to the world of three-dimensional maps.


3-D Map (Low Tech)

This assignment is frankly designed to get you to use the left side of your brain and get your hands dirty. It’s also intended to be a bit fun. (Oh, yes, this assignment does have a serious purpose; it provides a modest introduction to the world of 3D.) Here goes. Create a 3D historical map. The completed 3D map should include the following:

Several materials suggest themselves immediately: PlayDoh, polymer clay, cardboard (a la architectural models), paper mache, silly putty, and a host of other materials. There are also any number of recipes on the web for do-it-yourself “clay” and “playdough.” Don’t forget tempura paint, magic marker watercolors, soft sculpture materials, and an exacto knife.

Once you have finished your map, make a digital photograph (probably an “aerial” view would be the most effective), write a brief account of your strategy for completing the assignment, and post both the photograph(s) and mini-essay to your blog. You might also consider documenting the process as you construct your project.


3-D Historical Landscape

For this assignment, you will need to invest in terrain or architectural software. Although there are several applications available the three that are most readily available at a reasonable price are: Bryce (Corel or also on Ebay; no try-out), Vue 4 (e-on Software; try-out with disabilities), Natural Scene Designer (Natural Graphics; no tryout), and Sketch-up (try-out). Once you’ve made your choice, find a DEM or other terrain description of your location (if you are contemplating a landscape), import it, and press on. The sky’s the limit. You should have done some preliminary research for information on time and botany, for not only can these programs generate terrain, they can also create trees, trees, foliage, time of day, and weather. If you’re interested in working on an architectural recreation, SketchUp is a good choice. Again, preliminary research is necessary, but building plans and photographs can be found all over the web. Probably the best source is most likely Built in America

3. Interactive Map (final)

The overarching goal for the major project is the creation of a modest interactive map and a short, 5–7-page accompanying historical essay that provides the context for your map. As is the case with all other digital projects, the content should be solid and engaging. Second, the blog entry and map should be clear in its purpose and audience.