Cartography: Maps, Scales & Map Projections

Maps are among humanity’s greatest inventions. They help us understand landscapes, navigate unfamiliar places, analyse geographical patterns, and communicate spatial information.

This course introduces the fundamental principles of cartography—the science, art and technology of map making. Beginning with the basic concepts of maps and cartographic representation, the course gradually develops an understanding of map scales, graphical construction of scales, map projections, topographical maps and the basics of surveying.

Designed primarily for undergraduate geography students, the course combines conceptual explanations with graphical demonstrations and practical exercises, enabling learners to build both theoretical understanding and technical skills.

What you will learn

• Nature and scope of Cartography
• Map scales and their applications
• Construction of Plain, Comparative, Diagonal and Vernier Scales
• Principles of Map Projections
• Polar Zenithal, Stereographic, Bonne’s and Mercator Projections
• Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
• Topographical Maps and Survey of India Toposheets
• Contours and Landform Representation
• Wentworth’s Method of Slope Analysis
• Fundamentals of Surveying
• Plane Table Surveying (Radiation Method)