Abstract
Abstract. Python programming and the application of web services technology can be considered important skills for geomatics students when looking for employment later. A course on Web Processing Services (WPS) as part of the International Geomatics master programme at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences takes this into consideration while using the opportunity of making students aware of less-known thematic mapping methods. Students are introduced to automating a complex geoprocessing task and finally wrapping it into a WPS. It is achieved by following the phases of first conceptualizing the single steps before then using ArcGIS ModelBuilder and Python scripts in combination to build the processing chain. The alternate band map method serves as example in the hands-on exercise. Later students are asked to automate the generation of the geometries for the map face and/or map legend supporting other thematic mapping methods like the square density map or the absolute value raster map. The paper discusses the teaching approach and experiences made so far. Conceptualizing the automatization of a given complex geoprocessing problem proved to be the most challenging part for the students.
Highlights
Introduction and BackgroundPython is an object-oriented scripting language that is appreciated for being readable and easy to reuse and maintain
It aims at imparting knowledge on implementing cartographic web services, which deliver the required map face geometries and legend building blocks to be applied in the design of thematic maps
The Web Processing Services (WPS) could be further improved: more tricky parts are still waiting for a solution like the automated determination of a threshold for the minimum proportion to be depicted, of the ‘optimal angle’ for the stripes by considering the shape of the enumeration units more closely, of the optimal stripe width depending on the size of the enumeration units, the map scale and the statistical data, and the automatic creation of a meaningful legend layer
Summary
Python is an object-oriented scripting language that is appreciated for being readable and easy to reuse and maintain. In order to successfully teach students how to apply Python programming and/or how to make use of WPS for geoprocessing different approaches are followed. After an initial workshop with students in May 2015, a new course on WPS was introduced to the International Geomatics master programme (start: summer semester 2018) It aims at imparting knowledge on implementing cartographic web services, which deliver the required map face geometries and legend building blocks to be applied in the design of thematic maps. All apply the relative method based on standardized data but use different reference units They typically visualize census data on very limited basemaps, require an equal-area map projection and the consideration of an appropriate data classification
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