AGI: Better Mapping 2009

29 September 2009, 3:48pm

After last years success, here's Better Mapping 2009!

Following the success of Better Mapping 2008, the Association for Geographic Information (AGI) and The British Cartographic Society (BCS) are pleased to announce four new joint events to be held around the UK in October 2009.

These one day seminars, featuring a number of expert presenters, will introduce a range of topics and easy methods that will demonstrate how good cartographic practice can greatly improve the quality, accuracy and effectiveness of your digital and hard copy maps.

The use of geographic information, digital mapping software and GIS is ever increasing. Never before has the importance of understanding the fundamentals of good map design been more important. A poorly designed map can at least diminish effective communication of information to users and at worst mislead, perhaps seriously.

In a departure from last year's format, the presentations will focus on theoretical 'teaching' supported by specific studies on issues relating to electronic delivery, effective mapping of statistics and local authority mapping. The 'teaching' sessions will look at issues such as basic principles, communication, clarity and accuracy, to be followed by case examples drawn from a variety of material covering topics such as selecting the correct information for maps plus design issues such as line styles, weights, colour and text.
"Last year's events attracted over 200 delegates" said AGI Director, Chris Holcroft. "This year's line-up takes the Better Mapping programme forward and attendees can be assured of an extremely useful, good value training opportunity that will allow them to become more effective in communicating map-based information," he added.

Eminent speakers from the academic field - Dr Ken Field of Kingston University Centre for GIS, Susie Jones of Royal School of Military Survey, Giles Darkes ex-Oxford Brookes now a cartographic consultant - are supported by speakers engaged in the map making process and who will be demonstrating the effectiveness of good map design in their products. The scene will be set for the day's discussions by one of Britain's leading cartographic designers, Mary Spence MBE, Immediate Past President of BCS, and concluded with a summary on the importance of Cartography in all aspects of mapmaking.

For more details on each event please visit www.agi.org.uk/events

26th October: Bristol - Armada House Conference & Events
27th October: Glasgow - Centre for Contemporary Arts
28th October: Birmingham - Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre
29th October: London - School of Economic Science

AGI