Cartographic Visualization in GIS

Cartographic Visualization in GIS 2025 is an open-access course developed by the University of Helsinki, designed to guide learners through the intricate world of cartography and map making. Emphasizing open science, the course materials and videos are freely available, aiming to share knowledge and facilitate efficient, reproducible spatial data visualization. This resource is ideal for anyone interested in enhancing their cartographic skills, from foundational concepts to advanced applications.

The curriculum combines the conceptual, historical, artistic, and theoretical aspects of cartography with modern technological approaches. Participants will learn to apply theoretical knowledge to design appealing and effective visual representations and utilize state-of-the-art methods for producing maps and visualizations suitable for both printed and online media. The course offers interactive Python tutorials, allowing for hands-on programming sessions directly in the browser via Binder.

Students can choose between a software-based approach, primarily working with QGIS, or a Python-based approach to cartography. While basic Python knowledge is beneficial for the software-based path, it is not strictly required. The course is structured with lectures, discussions, and practical exercise sessions, providing ample opportunity for skill development and support from course assistants.