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Topics in GIS

Learn the basic GIS concepts that go into making a map.

This series breaks down the essential building blocks of cartography, moving beyond just clicking buttons to understanding the why behind the map. We’ll dive into how to handle spatial data, master the art of map design for clear communication, and finally tackle projections so you can stop stretching your data in all the wrong ways. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your technical foundations, these modules provide the core concepts needed to build accurate, professional-grade maps.

Sections

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Map Design
The process of creating effective maps
Spatial Data
How data is organized in a GIS
Data Classification
How and why we classify
Coordinate Systems
Displaying a 3D world in 2D
US Census Geographies
The hierarchy of US Census boundaries
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