Geog 1502: Mapping Our World
Course overview
In Mapping Our World, we learn about maps and other spatial technologies like phones, drones, and GPS . We use professional web-based tools to make maps for class, jobs, and fun. Along the way, we see how mapping is a way to see interactions between technology and society, and see how spatial technology saves lives, rigs elections, and spies on you and everyone else.
Key features
The course is fully online and uses readings, lectures, activities, and labs.
All materials are free, including an online textbook, labs, and mapping tools that you can use in courses, your job, or for fun.
The course is worth three credits. There are no prerequisites.
Help is available via office hours every weekday.
Fulfills two Liberal Education (LE) requirements: Social Sciences Core and the Society and Technology Theme.
Grading, format, and workload
Grading. We focus on participation via activities, labs, and two online exams:
20% Class participation through activities
50% Online labs with web mapping and other technologies
30% Quizzes (online, open-book, and multiple choice)
Class Format. All parts of the class are online:
30% Lecture and other material
20% Discussion
20% Small group activities
30% Mapping labs
Workload. In addition to lectures, discussion, activities, and labs noted above, the course involves:
15 pages of reading per week (but lots of pictures!)
5 pages of writing per semester
Quick info
Geog 1502 has been fully online for many years and uses a mix of approaches. It is mostly asynchronous. Each week has a topical focus and the readings, lectures, and labs can be done within a week-long window. Some activities and the two exams have a shorter window of one to three days for completion. See the syllabus for details!
Contact: geog1502@umn.edu
Share: z.umn.edu/geog1502
Summer 2025 will be offered...
Fall 2025 will be offered...
Free text: Mapping, Society, and Technology
Free mapping software: SocialExplorer