Villanova University, Department of Mathematical Sciences

Cartographiometry (MAT 1210/ GEO 1700)

(©  copyright 1996-1999, Timothy G. Feeman and Elaine F. Bosowski.)

Welcome to Cartographiometry, an interdisciplinary course in the mathematical underpinnings of cartography and geography.

Inspired by a common love of maps and an exploration of the geometry involved in making maps of the world, Dr. Timothy G. Feeman (Department of Mathematical Sciences, Villanova University) and Dr. Elaine F. Bosowski (late of Villanova University's Geography Department),  developed an introductory college level interdisciplinary Math/Geography course called Cartographiometry.

In this course you will

• explore the historical relationship between mathematics and geography, especially cartography, from Eratosthenes to the present;
• study the general mathematical problems posed by making flat maps of the sphere;
• be introduced to such basic concepts of non-Euclidean geometry as curvature and geodesics;
• investigate, from a cartographic perspective,  the uses of maps and the evolution of map-making;
• examine various elements of Cartographic Communications Systems;
• learn the mathematical and cartographic tools needed to design world maps that have specific desired properties, such as preserving areas or shapes of land masses;
• construct your own world maps from scratch in a laboratory setting using the computer algebra system Maple as an aid.

For further information, contact
Dr. Timothy G. Feeman
Department of Mathematical Sciences, Villanova University,
800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085-1699 USA
Phone: (610)519-4693
Fax: (610)519-6928
e-mail:timothy.feeman@villanova.edu  
web: T. Feeman's home page